Glastonbury MP Sarah Dyke continued to claim council allowance after by-election victory

Sarah Dyke, MP for Glastonbury and Somerton, continued to claim her monthly allowance as a Somerset councillor after being elected to Westminster in July 2023. Ms Dyke, who previously represented Milborne Port on South Somerset District Council and later the Blackmoor Vale division on Somerset Council, formally resigned from her council role on October 11, 2024.

Her resignation, alongside fellow Liberal Democrat councillor Dixie Darch, has triggered by-elections on November 21 to elect their replacements.

It has now been confirmed that between her by-election victory and her resignation, Ms Dyke claimed her full council allowance of £1,223.38 per month, in addition to her MP salary of £91,346. While councillors do not receive a salary, they are provided with a monthly allowance to cover their time and expenses.

A spokesperson for Ms Dyke defended her actions, stating that she had continued to work beyond her official hours as a councillor, attending meetings, supporting local casework, and working closely with her Blackmoor Vale colleague Nicola Clark. "She claimed her allowance as an active councillor working over and above her listed hours," they said.

In a statement, Ms Dyke reflected on her time in local government and the reasons for her resignation: "My additional responsibilities in Westminster now mean it is only right that I step down to dedicate my time to representing communities throughout Glastonbury and Somerton in Parliament and carry on my work as their MP.

"I am proud of what I have been able to achieve alongside my fantastic ward colleague Nicola Clark, with whom it's been a privilege to work with over the past few years. Nicola is a dedicated and talented councillor, and I look forward to working with her to serve residents in the Blackmoor Vale.

"I will also continue to work closely with local councillors in Glastonbury and Somerton for the benefit of people here, whether it's protecting our green spaces and rivers, fighting for better NHS provision in rural areas, or ensuring fair funding for our schools."

Somerset Council leader Bill Revans paid tribute to Ms Dyke's service, stating: "I want to thank Sarah for her service as a Somerset councillor, and before that on the county and district councils. Her passion for the area and the environmental and rural issues that are close to her heart shine through in her public service."

Two other Somerset MPs, Adam Dance (Yeovil) and Tessa Munt (Wells & Mendip Hills), continue to serve as Somerset councillors, though both stepped down from executive roles prior to the general election. Neither has indicated plans to resign from their council positions.