Tessa Munt of the Liberal Democrats won a decisive victory in the Wells and Mendip Hills constituency, dramatically outperforming the predictions of exit polls which had forecast a tightly contested race.

The final count saw Tessa Munt secure 23,622 votes, significantly ahead of her closest rival, Conservative candidate Meg Powell-Chandler, who garnered only 12,501 votes. This result sharply contrasts with the Ipsos exit polls that had indicated a narrow 51% chance of a Liberal Democrat gain against a 49% chance of a Tory hold.

Votes cast:

The result of the election in the Wells and Mendip Hills constituency is:

• Tessa Munt (Lib Dem) – 23,622 [Elected]
• Meg Powell-Chandler (Conservative) – 12,501
• Helen Hims (Reform UK) – 6,611
• Joe Joseph (Labour) – 3,527
• Peter Welsh (Green Party) – 2,068
• Abi McGuire (Independent) – 1,849
• Craig Clarke (Independent) - 190

The turnout was: 68.70% majority: 11,121

"I'll be here to listen to and stand up for those who are not being fairly treated and for the vulnerable," Tessa said during her campaign. "I'll use my voice to help fix our broken health and social care services, to tackle the cost of living crisis, and to protect our environment - it's our young people's future" 

"You'll be able to meet me and speak with me regularly in locations wherever you live and work in Wells & Mendip Hills. If you can't come to me, I'll come to you"

Following the resignation of James Heappey, the constituency was poised for a closely watched battle. While early polls from YouGov suggested a potential Conservative hold due to strong support in the Mendip Hills, the Survation poll leaned towards a Liberal Democrat gain, a prediction that turned out to be an understatement of Munt's eventual landslide.

Upon her victory, Tessa Munt was quick to express her gratitude and eagerness to start her term. "Thank you all so much. Work starts today!"