I WOULD like to say an incredibly huger than huge thanks to you all who voted for me in the Priorswood ward at the local elections.

I am absolutely humbled, honoured and stunned that you have put your faith in me to represent you over the next four years. You don't know how pleased I am, or honoured, to have been elected to serve you after months of hard work campaigning and canvassing among you all.

When I heard the result announced, I must admit I felt shocked and stunned and thought it must be wrong but no, I'm in!

Now, the really hard work starts for me and I have to get a grip, as a first-time council rookie, on what I need to be prioritising and doing to represent you all ably, fully and to the best of my ability.

Yes, as you know, I am a Liberal Democrat councillor, but I fully acknowledge that not all residents in the ward have the same political persuasion and therefore I promise to represent all residents in the new ward whatever their political beliefs, in the best and most genuine way I can.

To me, you are all constituents and all deserve full and thorough recognition and representation in the new district council and that is what I will endeavour to provide.

I will keep my pledges that I communicated in my campaign and in particular the regular surgeries in the ward at Priorswood Community Centre and possibly other venues within the ward. I will try to be accessible as much as possible to repay your voting faith in me.

I may take a little bit of time to get into my stride and up and running as a rookie but please bear with me, I will get there in due course, but may be learning the ropes for a little while.

The Lib Dems have promised change for the benefit of all West Somerset and Taunton district residents and let me reassure you that you will see tangible large steps in progress over the next four years or so to the benefit of all.

Can I finish off by also congratulating Libby Liscoe - the legend of the Labour party - and Brenda Weston, also of Labour, who were the other two successful candidates in to the ward.

One last note is to say a big thank you and commiserations to my partner in the Lib Dems who helped fight this ward, Rosemary Sabel, another legend.

Thanks again to all and I very much look forward to seeing you all soon.

LEE BAKER

Somerset West and Taunton District Councillor for Priorswood

Taunton