FOUR candidates will be standing in a West Somerset by-election later this month to replace Christine Lawrence, who had represented the Dunster division for the past 21 years.

Mrs Lawrence, a Conservative, stood down in September because of ill health.

A Somerset Council by-election will be held on Thursday, October 23, for which voters will need photo ID.

The candidates, in alphabetical order, are:

  • James Bellamy (Conservative), of Minehead
  • Terry Ledlie (Labour), who chose not to say where he lived
  • Jonathan Rollason (Reform), who similarly chose not to give an address
  • Cara Strom (Liberal Democrat), of Blue Anchor

Ms Strom is the partner of the Dunster division’s second councillor, Cllr Marcus Kravis, who has been handling casework since Mrs Lawrence resigned.