Liberal Democrat Sarah Dyke has framed the upcoming General Election in Glastonbury and Somerton as a critical decision between her party and what she describes as the "out-of-touch Conservatives."

Dyke, who currently represents Somerton and Frome, has vowed to address pressing issues such as the NHS, the rising cost of living, and environmental protection.

In the July 2023 by-election for Somerton and Frome, Dyke emerged victorious, with the Conservative candidate finishing second and the Green Party trailing significantly.

This win is part of a broader surge for the Liberal Democrats, who have captured four parliamentary seats in recent by-elections since the last General Election, demonstrating a potential shift in voter sentiment.

Dyke's comments came after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the date for the General Election, saying: "At this election, there is a clear choice: the Liberal Democrats, who are fighting for our local area, or the out-of-touch Conservatives who have taken us for granted. Labour are out of the race here and just can't win this time."

"Everything I've done since I became your MP has been about fighting for local people and standing by your side on the issues that matter to our community. I am determined to continue working hard for our area and being the strong voice we need in Parliament."

In a statement, the Liberal Democrats criticised the Conservative government's handling of local issues, citing difficulties in accessing healthcare, rising housing costs, and environmental degradation.

"It's clear this Conservative Government has failed Glastonbury and Somerton. After years of struggling to get a GP appointment, soaring rents and mortgages, and our rivers being polluted by filthy sewage, it's time for this Government to be kicked out of office," she said.

• In the Glastonbury and Somerton area, Reform UK has nominated Tom Carter, while Jon Cousins represent the Green Party. The Liberal Democrats have put forward Sarah Dyke, with the Workers Party of Britain selecting Angela Henderson. Labour's candidate is Hal Hooberman, and the Conservatives have chosen Faye Purbrick. Labour is still to announce its candidate.
• The new Glastonbury and Somerton seat is being created out of the majority of the existing Somerton and Frome seat, including the towns of Bruton, Castle Cary, Langport, Somerton and Wincanton. It will also include the town of Glastonbury, the neighbouring village of Street, and the Ham Hill tourist attraction.
• On the basis of the unitary election results in May, the seat could be another potential battleground, with the Conservatives retaining support in Wincanton while losing ground to the Lib Dems in the western half of the proposed constituency. But with the Green party still retaining strong pockets of support – especially in Glastonbury – this may end up being a constituency where many of the more left-leaning parties end up competing for the same votes.