Another highly successful year for Taunton and Wellington Liberal Democrats was celebrated on Friday.
The local party’s AGM took place at Taunton Rugby Club and was followed by a dinner attended by 120 people.
John Wakefield, chair, told the meeting there had been a succession of highlights during the past 12 months including by-election victories on Taunton Town Council and Wellington Town Council.
The area’s two MPs – Gideon Amos (Taunton and Wellington) and Rachel Gilmour (Tiverton and Minehead) – had both been re-selected and there were a number of high-profile campaigns.
These included efforts to bring forward the new maternity unit at Musgrove Park Hospital, provide more NHS dentists, open new pharmacies and re-open a post office in Wellington.
Mr Wakefield said there had also been awards for both Taunton and Wellington town councils, along with Lib Dem councillor Tom Deakin.
Taunton and Wellington Liberal Democrats also received the Penhaligon Award for top local party at the main party conference in Brighton.
He added that preparations were in full swing for next year’s Somerset Council and town council elections.
“We have a great team and are in a strong position to consolidate on our successes in recent elections.”
Presentations made at the AGM were: Tim Pugsley Award for individual achievement, Prof Jonathan Evans; top deliverer, Dr Rosemary Sabel; top canvasser, Jacob Bell.
There were speeches from three MPs at the dinner which followed – Gideon Amos, Rachel Gilmour and Josh Babarinde (Eastbourne) who is also president of the Liberal Democrats.
The evening concluded with an auction conducted by Cllr Derek Perry.
MAIN PHOTO: From left, John Wakefield, Rosemary Sabel, Jacob Bell and Gideon Amos.
