THE Liberal Democrats have become West Somerset Council’s second-largest party when Conservative Cllr Andy Kingston-James crossed the floor at yesterday’s council meeting to increase the group’s numbers to four.

The Minehead North representative joins leader of the council’s Lib Dem group Cllr Peter Pilkington (Dunster and Timberscombe), Cllr Nicole Hawkins (Alcombe) and Parliamentary spokesman Cllr Benet Allen (Minehead South).

Cllr Kingston-James said: “I have joined the Lib Dems as their core beliefs in community and openness in politics are in parallel with mine.

“This is not a decision I have taken lightly, but the freedom to express my views and contribute to the bigger picture is important to me. I look forward to working with the local team for the benefit of Minehead and the new district council.”