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

Here's who is standing in the Mendip South Division:

Claire Sully – Liberal Democrats

"I will champion your interests and raise the voices of our villagers when decisions affect you.

My family home was in Hornblotton, I went to Lovington School and my childhood "playground" was Butleigh Woods, playing hide and seek with my Dad and brother, local singer, Tim Pitman. My dad, Neville "Tiny" Pitman, was a well-known local jazz musician, playing banjo in pubs, festivals and fetes, with me as part of the entourage. I started learning the banjo in lockdown and I've performed in local Care Homes ever since.

I champion community engagement through my SME business. I run a technology company helping volunteer communities come together around causes. I founded a digital arts festival in Shepton, showcasing local talent to creative industry professionals, including Aardman, BBC and some of the world's best film makers.

I worked with the Catherine Hill Traders in Frome, establishing the marketing ideas that underpinned the town's rebrand via the Artisan Market.

I've had a taste of local representation too - three years as vice-chair of a local parish council, with responsibility for one of my passions - local footpaths.

I believe that local people should be part of government decision-making on matters which impact their lives. They should have access to jobs and training, fast and reliable internet, affordable housing, mental health services (suicidal prevention support), decent public transport and creative community spaces. It's time for positive change at Somerset County Council and I will be part of making that happen, if elected."

Alex Wiltshire - Liberal Democrats

"Different politics requires different politicians. It requires fresh ideas and renewed impetus; a change in both approach and demeanour. 

At 29 years of age, I am from a different generation to those that have overseen a dereliction of our local services and residents' needs over the last decade and more. And with that comes a new perspective and way of conducting politics. A politics of listening and engaging, and being there to represent you, not for personal gain.

I moved at the age of 12 with my family to Baltonsborough, with the serene village shaping who I am today. For many years I played football within the treble-winning Baltonsborough team, while the area's country paths I traversed in pursuit of athletics and triathlon achievements. 

I studied Politics and International Relations at both Loughborough University and Bath University, while I now manage and edit an international daily sports publication. 

This election is about what future we want for Somerset. Whether we want a Somerset that values our children's education, our healthcare workers and health provision, and one that successfully manages the development of our villages, while maintaining their charm and character.

Somerset can do so much better than the current trajectory we are travelling and we can unleash the potential of its vibrant communities to prosper like I know we can. And it is for that reason why I stand before you in these upcoming Somerset County Council elections as a Liberal Democrat candidate."

Also standing in the Mendip South Division:

John Parham – Conservative

Nigel Woollcombe-Adams – Conservative

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

For more on the elections click HERE