In the Wells and the Mendip Hills seat, the political landscape is shaping up intriguingly as recent polling indicates a strong lead for the Liberal Democrats.

The local poll conducted by Shepton Mallet Nub News among its newsletter subscribers shows the poll results as follows:

• Tessa Munt (Liberal Democrats): 54.42%
• Helen Hims (Reform UK): 14.16%
• Meg Powell-Chandler (Conservative Party): 13.72%
• Abi McGuire (Independent): 8.41%
• Joe Joseph (Labour Party): 5.31%
• Peter Welsh (Green Party): 3.54%
• Craig Clarke (Independent): 0.44%

This snapshot from the Nub News survey, which saw readers cast their virtual vote between June 12 at 12.30pm and June 13 at midnight, suggests that Lib Dem Tessa Munt is the current the front-runner, showing considerable support in the area.

Following her, Helen Hims of Reform UK and Meg Powell-Chandler from the Conservative Party are also prominent contenders. Independent candidate Abi McGuire has attracted many supporters, followed by Joe Joseph from the Labour Party and Peter Welsh of the Green Party and Independent Craig Clarke.

The data suggests a potential shake-up in the traditional voting patterns within the region, with the Liberal Democrats appearing to consolidate support, possibly at the expense of the traditionally stronger Conservative base in Wells and the surrounding Mendip areas.

The poll, which did not weight results demographically, is not a guaranteed predictor of actual election outcomes but provides a snapshot of current local political currents.

Voters were limited to one vote each, ensuring a straightforward expression of current preferences.

A General Election has been called for 4 July 2024. To participate, ensure you are registered to vote by 11:59pm on 18 June 2024 at Register to vote.

With the final list of candidates for the Wells and Mendip seat now confirmed, the race includes:

• Craig Clarke, Independent
• Helen Himms, Reform Party
• Joe Joseph, Labour Party
• Abi McGuire, Independent
• Tessa Munt, Liberal Democrat
• Meg Powell-Chandler, Conservative
• Peter Welsh, Green Party

With the general election set for July 4, 2024, voters in the constituency are advised to note important changes to the way they vote:

Constituency Changes: The revised Wells and Mendip Hills constituency includes Wells, Axbridge, Cheddar, and Shepton Mallet. However, it has been reshaped to exclude the coastal towns of Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge, which are now part of the new Bridgwater constituency, and Street and Glastonbury, which are now in the Glastonbury and Somerton constituency. Additionally, the constituency has expanded to include Yatton and several smaller settlements that were previously part of the Weston-super-Mare constituency.

New Voter ID Requirements: A significant change for all voters in this election is the introduction of mandatory photo ID at polling stations, a measure introduced by the current government. To vote, individuals will need to present one of several forms of acceptable photo ID. This includes UK or Northern Ireland driving licences, UK or other specified passports, various national ID cards, Blue Badges, biometric residence permits, Defence Identity Cards, and more. Even expired IDs will be accepted, provided the photo is still a good likeness.

For those who do not possess any of the acceptable forms of ID, there is an option to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate via the UK Government website, which will require a national insurance number and a recent digital photo.

Proxy Voting: Voters who plan to vote by proxy should note that they will need to bring their own ID to the polling station; they do not need to present ID for the person they are representing.

These changes are crucial for ensuring that all eligible voters can participate in the election without issues.