Frome and East Somerset: What you need to know about new seat

Some residents in the Frome and East Somerset constituency are facing their second vote for an MP within a year.

On 20 July 2023 a by-election was held, which saw the Liberal Democrats win the seat from the Conservatives.

But, the area has now been split into two new constituencies, with the northern section also taking in some parts of the former North East Somerset seat.

So what are the big issues at stake in this new patch?

As well as Frome, the new constituency covers villages like Evercreech and Ditcheat, plus the towns of Midsomer Norton and Radstock, which used to be in the North East Somerset seat.

There are some common issues in this largely rural area such as farming and connectivity - whether that is mobile phone signal, broadband or roads and the transport network.

Residents are also concerned about the derelict Saxonvale site in Frome town centre, which has been awaiting redevelopment for years.

New housing is also at the forefront of many people's minds. The area's proximity to Bath and Bristol has pushed house prices up in recent years, and developers have brought forward ideas like Selwood Garden Community.

In alphabetical order by surname, here is some background on each candidate including their top priorities.

Green Party candidate for Frome and East Somerset, Martin Dimery, said he has lived and worked in Frome most of his life.

The former teacher and arts manager became the first ever Green Party candidate elected onto Somerset County Council in 2017, and now leads the Green group on Somerset Council.

Mr Dimery said his top priority is "to ensure the government sticks to net zero targets - or to accelerate them, if possible."

He also wanted to see more investment in the constituency and local services including the NHS, adult social care and schools.

Long-distance lorry driver and local councillor Gavin Heathcote, from Peasedown St John, is standing as an independent candidate.

He hopes to "make a difference" for the next generation.

Mr Heathcote's top priority is introducing a "fair taxation system".

"Raise the 40% tax bracket so hardworking people keep more of their own money," he said.

"Lower the 45% tax rate so more people at the top pay their fair share."

He also wants more help for small businesses and to see more trees planted.

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Shaun Hughes is also an independent candidate for Frome and East Somerset.

He has lived in Midsomer Norton for 30 years and works in the electronics industry, as well as being a local councillor.

Mr Hughes said his top priority is moving away from party politics which, he believes, is "having a negative impact on both local and national political decisions".

He also wants to see improved access to GPs and dentists, better home care and a new approach to social housing developments.

Councillor Robin Moss, from Radstock, leads the Labour group on Bath and North East Somerset Council.

The councillor has set up and managed local advice and support charities for young people.

His priorities are affordable local housing, NHS waiting lists coming down and more NHS dentists.

"I would also advocate for the old Somerset Coalfield mine workings to be used for renewable energy production, as happens in other parts of the county," Mr Moss said.

Liberal Democrats candidate, Anna Sabine, described herself as a "business owner and mum" who lives on the Wiltshire border, having previously lived in Rode.

She runs a co-working cafe in Bath for small businesses and charities.

Ms Sabine said her top priority is improving NHS services in Somerset.

"It is unacceptable that local people - including children - cannot get an NHS dentist appointment, that people cannot trust that if they call for an ambulance, one will actually turn up, while waiting lists for treatment continue to grow, preventing many people from living their lives," she said.

Public transport and helping people with the cost of living are among her other priorities, she said.

Reform UK's candidate is the former local Conservative association chair, David Swain.

He grew up in Oakhill and has been a Wells City Council councillor, who works in property and housing.

Mr Swain said his top priorities locally are supporting farmers, rejuvenating local high streets and supporting small businesses.

"Local crime is getting worse year on year and a zero tolerance on petty crime is something I would personally pressure the police into enforcing," he added.

Royal Navy veteran and local councillor, Lucy Trimnell, is the Conservative candidate for Frome and East Somerset.

She lives in Bruton with her husband and daughter, has two grown-up sons and previously worked in a local secondary school.

Ms Trimnell said her top priority is the NHS.

"I would fight for our fair share of the 100 new GP surgeries planned in the Conservative manifesto to ensure adequate provision in our area to keep up with the necessary housebuilding," she said.

Her other top priorities are support for farmers, food security and improving mobile phone signal in the local area.

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