We have two by-elections now called for July 29 – both in Labour strongholds but with either Conservative or Independents snapping on their heals. Having been out in Keynsham South three times already thanking people for the general election vote it is going to be an interesting campaign for us there. Our candidate Andy Halliday is a well known local member iof the community.

I shall be joining the Radstock campaign team next week. Radstock is seeking separation from Norton Radstock Town Council as are Midsomer Norton and Westfield so it will be interesting to see the impact of anger against the Town Council effects the vote. The other big issue in Radstock is the Regeneration Project. I have been a long standing supporter of this scheme and hopefully it will start up any week soon once the last of the legal challenges is completed. Again we have a local candidate, Simon Allen, who has lived in the area for several years now and is already active on his ProudofRadstock blog.