MPs Rachel Gilmour (Tiverton and Minehead), left, and Gideon Amos (Taunton & Wellington), right, with Lord Teverson

Lib Dems gather for AGM and fundraising dinner after successful year

Paul JonesNovember 29, 20240 Comment0

MORE than 130 Liberal Democrats gathered to pat themselves on the back after a successful year at the Taunton and Wellington party’s AGM and fundraising dinner.

Both events took place at Taunton Rugby Club, featuring a special presentation to party stalwart, Jefferson Horsley – and long-time Taunton Deane Borough Council leader and former parliamentary candidate.

The annual meeting celebrated the election of two new Lib Dem MPs – Gideon Amos for Taunton and Wellington and Rachel Gilmour for Tiverton and Minehead.

As well as making a presentation, Mr Horsley was presented with the Tim Pugsley Award for his ‘outstanding support for the party over many years’.

He became a Taunton Deane councillor in 1987, going on to serve as leader for 12 years.

Mr Horsley said he was “shocked and humbled” to receive the award.

Meanwhile, presentations were also made to a host of party members for their work, including during the July general election campaign, with some standing down.

Presentations included to: Paul Adams, top canvasser; Kate Creswell, top deliverer; Sue Levinge, retiring as treasurer after eight years; and Sue Green, retiring as local party agent after five years.

Jefferson Horsley, centre, flanked by MPs and other party stalwarts – including some standing down

Elsewhere, new officers were elected, including: Chair, John Wakefield; vice-chair, David Crabbe; secretary, Sharon Cox; treasurer, Rob Isaacs; membership development officer; Virginia Murray; elections officer, Paul Tooze.

And Executive members: Liam Pollard (youth and student coordinator), Bob Beaupre (information and technology), Alastair MacLeod (events and fundraising), Humphrey Hardy.

The fundraising dinner followed the AGM and featured three main speakers, including MP Mr Amos, who said it was an honour to be attending the event for the first time as a sitting MP.

“The Government needs constructive opposition in Parliament, and we are providing it,” he said. “I’m also privileged to be our party’s spokesperson on housing and planning – there are a lot of injustices in both areas which need addressing.”

The dinner also heard speeches from Rachel Gilmour and Lord Teverson, former MEP and a member of the House of Lords.