CONSERVATIVE Hayward Burt has won a by-election to replace MP Sarah Dyke (Lib Dem, Glastonbury & Somerton) on Somerset Council.

Ms Dyke resigned from the council to focus on her Parliamentary duties, with the election to find her replacement in the Blackmoor Vale ward, held on Thursday (November 21).

Mr Burt won the election after securing 1,120 votes, 406 more than his Lib Dem rival, Howard Ellard.

The full result in the Blackmoor Vale ward by-election was:
Hayward Burt (Conservative) – 1,120 (elected)
Howard Ellard (Liberal Democrat) – 714
Peter Ebsworth (Green Party) – 86
Gregory Chambers (Labour) – 32

Turnout was 26.07% and there were four rejected ballot papers.

Meanwhile, a by-election on the same day for a vacant seat in the Rowbarton and Staplegrove ward – triggered by the resignation of Lib Dem councilor Dixie Darch – was won by Liberal Democrat, Nick O’Donnell.

The full result was:
Nick O’Donnell (Liberal Democrat) – 817 (elected)
Pete Prior-Sankey (Conservative) – 396
Alan Debenham (Green Party) – 102
Moya Doherty (Labour) – 86

Turnout was 18.32% and two ballot papers were rejected.

READ MORE: MP Sarah Dyke resigns council seat to focus on parliamentary duties
READ MORE: Candidates revealed to replace Sarah Dyke and Dixie Darch on Somerset Council
READ MORE: Click here for more political news from your Somerset Leveller