ELECTIONS: Martin Wale beats Nigel Mermagen in fine style

CONSERVATIVE group leader on South Somerset District Council, Cllr Martin Wale, has retained his position on the authority.

The former Mayor of Chard defeated long-serving Nigel Mermagen, a former council chairman, in convincing fashion in the Blackdown Ward.

Cllr Wale polled 923 votes for the Conservatives, while Mr Mermagen, of the Conservatives, polled 388.

Neil Arnold, of the UK Independence Party, gained 246 votes.