Wellington town councillor George Western has announced he is standing in next May's Somerset Council elections.

He will contest the Monument Division on behalf of the Liberal Democrats.

He became a town councillor in February when he recorded a landslide by-election in Rockwell Green, where he lives.

George, who is married and works as an insurance director within dentistry, said: “It has been a real privilege to serve our community as a town councillor.

“I’m passionate about continuing to stand up for local people and the issues that matter most to our area.

“I’ll be out and about listening to residents across the division, hearing your concerns and working with our communities on the priorities that matter to you.

“I’m ready to work hard, listen and stand up for Monument.”

Mr Western has also expressed a cautious welcome to plans for Somerset to become part of a devolved Wessex region with its own Mayor.

“Devolution for Wessex must deliver for all our communities, not just the larger cities,” he said.

“I welcome the commitment to move this forward, but I want to be clear that Taunton and Wellington must not be left behind when decisions are made about funding, investment and priorities for our region.

“The real test of devolution will be whether it makes a tangible difference to people’s everyday lives.

“We need to use the opportunity to secure central government investment and direct it towards the things our communities need most – better transport, more affordable housing, improved infrastructure, skills and thriving town centres.

“Devolution must mean stronger local voices, fair investment and real benefits for communities right across Wessex. That is what we should be fighting to deliver.”