AT least two candidates will contest a by-election in Wellington to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation last month of Reform UK’s Marcus Barr, a former mayor.

Operations manager Gareth Williams, who has lived in the town for nine years, will be standing for the Liberal Democrats when the south ward by-election is held on November 6.

Mr Williams, who is a member of the Grand Western Greenway group advocating for a road-free cycle path between Wellington and Taunton, said he was motivated by his previous experience and long-term vision for the town and would have an ‘independently-minded approach’.

He is also a member of the Gaumont Palace Community Trust which aims to restore the former Odeon cinema building in Taunton as a multi-use events venue.

Mr Williams said: “I love living in Wellington and am very happy with the decision I made in moving here to raise a family.

“I want to see the town thrive and foster a spirit of unity.

“I believe that my experience has equipped me with the skills to make sound decisions, allocate resources effectively, and deliver positive outcomes.

“Having involved myself in projects locally I think that now is the right time to put myself forward to become an elected representative.

“I have taken a new part-time role at a primary school in Wellington which allows me to look after my young daughter and provides me with the flexibility to be an active councillor if elected.”

Mr Williams said Liberal Democrat values aligned with his own and the party had reassured him he would be able to serve with an independently-minded approach to best represent people.

He was impressed with the approach of Lib Dem MP Gideon Amos to being visible and accessible, something he hoped to replicate on a more local level if elected as a town councillor.

Mr Williams said he wanted to see more investment and infrastructure in Wellington, something he believed was a major concern for the town.

He said: “It is clear that, for Wellington to succeed, we need infrastructure to come before development.

“We cannot accommodate thousands of homes without access to schools, dentists, GPs, and other essential services.

“I feel I will be a strong voice for local residents, ensuring that our community is not only heard, but listened to.

“We need to support our local economy and raise the profile of Wellington as a town with excellent independent shops and businesses, as well as being an inclusive community.”

He said he was disappointed by ‘divisions’ within society and believed ‘bringing people together’ was the only way to move forward.

Mr Williams said: “As a community, we need to foster a spirit of unity rather than division.

“Wellington needs to pave the way as an inclusive society and I want to be a part of that.

“Hate has no place in our beautiful slice of Somerset.”

By-election nominations close at 4 pm on Friday (October 10), with to date Reform’s Andy Denison being the only other declared candidate.