25/10/2026
The numbers don't lie. 📉
Based on population estimates of Crewkerne, the turnout was around 12% - damning numbers that show just how little community interest there was in having this election.
Co-option was a proportionate and cost effective option until the May elections next year. That option was ignored.
The Liberal Democrats are celebrating this as a win - we see it as another example of needless spending.
🚨PRESS RELEASE🚨
''No money for Services, but money for a by-election?'' - Conservatives challenge Lib Dems
Crewkerne taxpayers could face £17,000 bill after election requested despite co-option alternative
Yeovil Conservatives have accused the Liberal Democrats of inconsistent priorities over a Crewkerne Town Council by-election that could cost taxpayers £17,000.
The Association says the Liberal Democrat candidate called for the election despite the vacancy being capable of being filled through co-option, allowing the council to appoint an eligible applicant without the expense of a public poll.
A spokesman for Yeovil Conservatives said:
“The Liberal Democrats cannot keep telling residents there is no money for services, then expect nobody to question the expense of an election their own candidate called for.
“This vacancy could have been filled through co-option. Instead, Crewkerne taxpayers could face a bill of £17,000. That was an avoidable expense, and the Liberal Democrats should explain why they thought it was justified.
“When residents ask for services, we hear about overstretched budgets and difficult decisions. We would expect the same concern for public money when a Liberal Democrat candidate wants an election.”
The Association said the decision to request the poll should be scrutinised separately from the statutory duty of election officials to administer it once properly called.
The spokesman added:
“Of course residents have the right to request an election. Exercising that right does not put the decision beyond criticism.
“Co-option was available. Their candidate chose to call for an election instead. If the bill reaches £17,000, the people paying it deserve a better explanation than simply being told the rules allowed it.
“The Liberal Democrats need to apply the same financial restraint to their own choices that they ask residents to accept over local services.”
STATEMENT ENDS.
We have written to NewsQuest in Somerset & The Somerset Leveller about questions raised around the Crewkerne by-election.
FAO Daniel Mumby.
