Elections for the new Somerset Council take place on May 5.

Here's who is standing in the Mendip Central and East Division:

Clare Hudson: Liberal Democrats

"Claire Hudson was a Mendip councillor for 16 years from 2003-2019. During that time she served as leader of the opposition for 6 years, was Chair of the national Association of Liberal Democrat Councillors and also was elected to the Local Government Association's Finance & Audit and Resources committees.

Claire is an experienced school governor and cares passionately about equality of opportunity in education and indeed life. Key issues she'd take up if elected: How the council can help people who are impacted by the cost of living crisis; protecting the environment, both our countryside and ensuring that climate change mitigation is embedded in the work of the council: also rural connectivity in all aspects from access to services to broadband to bus services; affordable housing in villages so young people can stay in the communities where they grew up."

Matt Mellen – Green Party

"I am opposed to the plans to "reopen" Westdown Quarry. I am connected to the local campaign to stop it and if I am voted in I will do what I can from that position to represent the people in my ward who are deeply concerned about the disturbance and disruption it will bring to their lives. I am aware people in the area are extremely concerned about the noise, light pollution, dust and extra traffic.

Personally, I trained as a scientist and have worked for environmental organisations my whole career. I am a nature lover and I want to see what is left of the UK's wildlife protected as much as possible. I see Asham Wood, and the surrounding area as a haven for wildlife and it would be a terrible travesty to obliterate it. UK wildlife is at an all time low and I am excited by the opportunity presented to restore nature and build back greener from the pandemic.

I am not anti-business nor anti-jobs. I have my own business that runs out of Frome and I have hired local people to work for me. I think that two mega quarries in the area is enough. I do not propose that the existing quarries are shut down. I also think there is immense potential for local people to get work being part of the transition to a greener and less polluting economy, for example retrofitting homes, installing heat pumps and more."

Robert Reed – Liberal Democrats

"Rob is a local man, living in the area for over 40 years. Married, with grown up children who went to local schools, Rob is well known to farmers in the area as a cattle breeding advisor.

A long standing interest in politics and understanding of the importance of community and the equality of opportunity led Rob to two terms on Mendip District Council, one on the executive with colleagues such as Cllr Gloria Cawood, which experience will be needed on the new unitary council.

Currently a Parish Council chairman, Rob is keen to return to continue work such as the petition to improve public transport which was ran with former MP Tessa Munt.

A keen interest in the environment led to the support of green issues, in particular the provision of more cycle paths as Chair of the local Strawberry line group, the inexcusable dumping of sewage in our rivers, and of local concern the expansion of quarries.

'I would be honoured to represent the East Mendips' said Rob. 'I will fight to try to balance the underfunding in our schools, the lack of local facilities, and to be a champion for Mendip in Taunton.'

Rob is surely the best choice for Mendip Central and East."

Also standing in the Mendip Central and East Division:

Barry Clark – Conservative

Philip Ham – Conservative

Melanie Moulding – Labour

All candidates have been offered the opportunity to submit a profile. All those submitted have been published.

For more on the elections click HERE