THE balance of power at South Somerset District Council lies in the hands of three independent councillors after no overall power was achieved.

Following last week’s elections, neither the Liberal Democrats, nor the Conservatives took control of the authority – which was previously held by the Lib Dems – resulting in a trio of councillors holding the trump cards.

Cllrs Dave Bulmer, representing Chard’s Jocelyn ward, Andrew Turpin, representing the Tatworth and Forton Ward, and Tony Capozzoli from Ivelchester now become the king-makers at the district council.

During the count, the Lib Dems had tallied a 29-25 seat lead, but the Conservatives bagged the remaining three wards up for grabs, leaving a 29-25 result and no clear majority.

Cllr Turpin told The News he has already spoken with his fellow independent councillors, who will place sustainable living at the top of their agenda, and attempt to bring the council together, rather than drive division.

He said: “I would like to think that we will be conciliatory rather than confrontational which would do nobody any good.

“We would like to see this council as an exemplar in terms of caring for the environment and caring for each other. We all, as members, are there because we have a concern for our residents and where we live.

“We would like to see sustainable living placed at the top of the agenda because I think that should be an issue we take seriously with regular evaluations and assessments reported to full council. We only have one planet on which we live and we have to take care of it.

“We are looking forward to working with each other on some specific local issues, including the re-opening of Chard Junction station. Both parties have indicated they would respect our vision. It is going to be exciting and most unexpected.”

Cllr Dave Bulmer added that he has already had a busy weekend talking to members on both sides of the council, but saw no reason to veer away from the previous Lib Dem leadership of the council.

He said: “We are aiming for collaborative working and I have had discussions with my fellow Independents as well as Martin Wale from the Conservatives and Ric Pallister from the Lib Dems.

“It’s important we have a stable council in the interest of SSDC which will have a great benefit to our residents. Experience is key and the Lib Dems have good experience in this council.”

Election results in Ilminster saw the Lib Dems take control, with Carol Goodall retaining her seat, joined by fellow party candidate Val Keitch with 21% and 19% of the polls respectively.

In Chard, Lib Dem Garry Shortland was elected to the district council in the Avishayes ward, while Conservative Amanda Broom took the seat in the Combe ward.

Outgoing Mayor, Lib Dem Jenny Kenton retained her district seat in the Crimchard ward, while fellow Lib Dem Jason Baker edged out Conservative Brennie Halse in Holyrood by the tightest of margins, with 51% of the vote. Dave Bulmer took 50% of the vote in the Jocelyn ward.