The Conservatives have succeeded in winning all five of the parliamentary seats across Somerset. Before yesterday’s General Election four of these seats had been held by the Liberal Democrats, but the Party took all four off their former coalition partners. The Conservatives won all five parliamentary constituencies with majorities all over 5000 votes.
Somerton and Frome was the first constituency to declare. The Conservative Party candidate David Warburton won the seat with a majority of over 20,000, winning 53% of the popular vote across the constituency. Shortly after the result was announced David said, "I am overwhelmed and delighted. I had hoped it would go my way after working for 18 months in the area, but never could have predicted a 20,000 majority. I am humbled that the people have put their trust in me."
Yeovil was the next constituency to declare. Conservative parliamentary candidate Marcus Fysh overturned a 13,000 Liberal Democrat majority to defeat the Lib Dem incumbent and former minister David Laws to win by over 5,000 votes. Marcus paid tribute to Mr Laws at the count, acknowledging that he was widely seen as “very good and efficient constituency MP”, but that it was time for a change in Yeovil which he was glad to have delivered. "We have a positive local agenda for investment and infrastructure. I'm proud to be the fresh voice that Somerset needs." Marcus is Yeovil’s first Conservative MP since 1983.
The party’s success across Somerset continued in Taunton Deane. The Liberal Democrats lost another seat to the Conservatives, Rebecca Pow earning a majority of over 15,000. Rebecca said that she was, “absolutely over the moon” about the result promising, “to be a good spokeswoman for Taunton Deane and to get the constituency on the national stage in Westminster."
In Bridgwater and West Somerset, incumbent Conservative MP Ian Liddell-Grainger saw his majority increase by over 5,000 to 14,000. On successfully winning his fourth term, in the seat which he has been the MP for since 2001, Ian promised to fight for his constituents at Westminster, saying “I'll go back up to Westminster and make myself as painful as I can to the powers that be to get what we can for the Bridgwater and West Somerset seat.” He also thanked them for their support, “it's always been a privilege and always been pleasure and I hope to continue to serve the best I can for the next five years."
Wells was the final constituency in Somerset to declare, at about 11.20 am. Former Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Private Secretary Tessa Munt lost her seat to Conservative candidate James Heappey by over 7,000 votes. After thanking his family and friends and praising Tessa for her work over the past five years, James also thanked the electorate. He described becoming the MP for Wells as “the greatest honour and I will work tirelessly to stand up for you in Westminster.” He also promised to champion the views of the whole constituency, saying “Whether I won your support or not I look forward to serving you all.”
The victories have helped the Conservatives gain a working majority in the House of Commons of 15 with David Cameron remaining Prime Minister.