THREE of West Somerset’s four county council members were re-elected at last Thursday’s elections, which saw Cllr John Osman, council leader for six years, lose his seat.

The West Somerset councillor not returned was UKIP’s Terry Venner in the Minehead Division, who slipped to third in the poll, which was topped by Conservative Mandy Chilcott with Liberal Democrat Marcus Kravis second.

Cllr Chilcott, a West Somerset councillor for Minehead for eight years, has been deputy leader and lead member for resources and central support since 2015.

She told the Free Press: “People have told me that what matters most to them includes working with the NHS to get our hospital beds open, trying to find ways to keep our local buses running and working with education providers to improve opportunities for our young people.

“I will be a strong voice at County Hall and will promote Minehead as a fantastic place to visit, work or invest in.”

Cllr Venner had been a county councillor for four years. He said he was naturally disappointed with the result but congratulated Cllr Chilcott.

He added: “I believe in social justice and fighting people’s causes and will continue to serve the residents of Minehead as both a town and district councillor.”

County council chairman for the past two years, Christine Lawrence was re-elected in the Dunster Division, and Frances Nicholson retained the Dulverton and Exmoor Division with 75 per cent of the vote.

“I am absolutely delighted with the result,” Cllr Lawrence said.

“These are difficult times for people, especially in the rural areas, and we must give them all the support we can and anyone who needs my help should get in touch.”

Independent Hugh Davies prevented a Conservative clean sweep in the district by again winning the Watchet and Stogursey Division.

Cllr Davies said: “I am humbled by getting a majority of over 1,000 as an independent and repeat the promise I made when elected four years ago to put people before politics.”

In neighboruing Taunton Deane divisions, Independent Mike Rigby was re-elected for Lydeard and Conservative James Hunt retained Upper Tone.

Overall, the Conservatives won 35 of the council’s 55 seats and have an overall majority of 15. The second biggest party is the Liberal Democrats with 12 seats, Labour and Independents have three seats each and the Green Party two.

Cllr David Fothergill has been selected by the Conservative group to replace Cllr Osman. A formal decision on his appointment will be taken by the full council on May 24.