Thursday 21st November saw an election gain for the Conservatives on Somerset Council, with the election of former District Councillor Hayward Burt to represent the Blackmoor Vale* division.
Born and raised in Horsington and now living in Templecombe, Hayward had served the area for 6 years as a South Somerset District Councillor until it was merged into the new Somerset Council in 2023.
Winning the by election with more than 57% of the vote, Hayward had a clear message for residents across the area. “I am truly grateful for everyone who chose to vote for me in this election, particularly those who ventured out in the cold and snow that polling day delivered. My thanks also to everyone who supported me in the election campaign.”
“It is an honour to have been elected to represent my home and everyone from across our corner of Somerset. We’re a long way from Taunton, and my vow to residents is to make sure that the needs of our special part of Somerset are heard by the council - who have shown that they don’t always understand the serious issues that we face locally.”
True to his word, just a few days after being elected, Hayward was speaking up at a planning meeting about residents’ concerns on another controversial housing decision being made about Henstridge in his patch. Hayward has been engaging with residents and parish councils for many years and will be a welcome voice for the area and a strong addition to the Conservative team at the council.
Leader of the Conservative Opposition, Councillor Mandy Chilcott added: “I am delighted to welcome Hayward as the new Somerset Councillor for Blackmoor Vale. He will be joining the largest opposition group in the Country and I know that he has the skills and experience needed to hit the ground running to support his residents. I look forward to working with him.”
“Hayward is a well-respected and experienced local councillor having previously served on South Somerset District Council. He will be a strong voice for Blackmoor Vale. This was a decisive Conservative gain from the Liberal Democrats, and I thank Hayward and all those that supported him.”
Part of the Glastonbury and Somerton Constituency, Hayward joins colleagues Lucy Trimnell, Tom Power and Susannah Hart as local Conservative Councillors. The Glastonbury and Somerton team were delighted to welcome Hayward back as a serving councillor and the experience and knowledge that his return brings. Conservative Chairman for the area, Caroline Squire, joined other local voices in welcoming Hayward’s election: “ This was the best possible result for the residents of Blackmoor Vale division who will now have a stronger and truly local voice at the heart of Somerset Council.”
“Knocking on doors it was clear people are fed up with the way Liberal Democrat’s are running the council and worried about the reality of a Labour government. Having Hayward onboard will only add to our ability to stand up for local people and the issues that concern them.”
Residents can contact Hayward at [email protected] or follow him on Facebook
*Blackmoor Vale is the name of the council division whereas Blackmore Vale is the name of an area of Somerset and Dorset that the division is part of.