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

Here's who is standing in the Shepton Mallet Division

Chloe Adduocchio – Labour

"Wells CLP are proud that Chloe Adduocchio is our candidate for the Shepton Mallet Division in the County Council elections. Chloe recalls, from her youth, that Shepton Mallet was a thriving town. She is concerned, however, that the town does not seem to have adjusted to 21st Century expectations, and believes that the town needs some TLC.

Chloe wants to ensure the silent few – those who, through no fault of their own, find themselves struggling financially, educationally, or as a result of mental or physical health issues – finally have a voice that understands their needs and can represent their interests. Chloe's life experience has taught her about the difficulties faced by many.

Chloe is a blind parent who understands the frustration felt by people who rely on public transport to get to school or hospital appointments; she has experienced how challenging finding or keeping work is for those without a car; which is why she supports Labour's commitments in the Education, Health and Opportunity section of our manifesto.

As a trans woman, Chloe is acutely aware of how it feels to be marginalised or ignored by people whom you would hope know better.

Chloe says that inclusivity is her watchword."

 Garfield Kennedy – Liberal Democrats

"We need strong voices to stop the new vastly expanded Somerset Council taking Shepton and Croscombe for granted. With all higher levels of local government about to be concentrated in Taunton, communities like ours can easily lose out to the larger settlements like Yeovil and Bridgwater. 

The Conservatives at County Hall took Somerset County Council to the brink of bankruptcy in 2018. In 13 years in power, they cut our bus services, twice tried to take away Shepton's library and slashed the money for youth services. County Children's Services were judged "inadequate", and funding for Citizens Advice and the arts was cancelled. All this, while at the same time spending £17.5m on doing up their offices in Taunton!

Only the Lib Dems can take away control from the Conservatives at the new Unitary Council. All votes for Labour, Green Party or the "independent" risks the same Conservatives slipping through to do yet more damage to essential services.

If elected, I will take your issues and concerns directly to County Hall making sure that all in our community are listened to.  I will never let our community be ignored at the new all-powerful "Super" Council. I will hold regular open surgeries in Shepton and Croscombe to deal with individual problems and hold the new higher authority to account.

Don't forget that you have two votes for the County Unitary election on Thursday, May 5. My Lib Dem colleague Martin Lovell and I will do our very best to serve and improve the community we both live in."

Martin Lovell - Liberal Democrats

"I have lived in Shepton for 42 years, working as a business analyst locally. I am the father of adult children, all born here and all of whom attended local schools in the town. I served as a local school governor for 20 years.

My main hobby is performing classical music. For over 20 years, I have been chair of The Mid-Somerset Orchestra – local amateur musicians who rehearse in Croscombe Village Hall and play regularly in local venues. I joined the Lib Dems in 1985 and have been elected to Shepton Town Council since 1991.

I wish to stand for Somerset Council to get the best deal for Shepton and Croscombe, using my local knowledge and experience to benefit local people. My Council work will be my first priority."

Abi McGuire – Independent

"I live in Shepton Mallet with my husband Peter and our two daughters. We work and attend school locally.

I am independent of party politics and I want to influence change and earlier service provision in the social care sector. I have worked in all of the services that the new council will deliver – health and social care settings, housing, education and special educational needs. I have first-hand experience.

I am resilient, compassionate, ready to listen and learn. I will take a positive lead for our community.

My professional life emphasis has always been about supporting people and empowering one another. I currently work as a Parent and Family Support Advisor at the Mendip School and have experience in special educational needs (SEN). Previously, I have been a support worker for adults and children with learning difficulties, a serving Police Officer and a Social Housing Officer. I also worked for a local charity where I set up and led a housing project for homeless people in Mendip. I have extensive experience and professional qualifications in safeguarding and care work.

In 2017, I co-founded the weekly sell out non-for-profit community roller disco called 'Shepton Get Ur Skates On'. This provides a fun and affordable activity for young people and families.

I co-founded 'Future Shepton' and I have been a town councillor since 2019.

I am passionate about people engagement and improving the health, vitality and well-being of our community - people of all ages and backgrounds."

Photo: Jason Bryant

Also standing in the Shepton Mallet District:

Simon Davies – Conservative

Bente Height – Conservative

Martin Lovell – Liberal Democrats

Gregor Neeve – Green Party

Victoria Welsh – Green Party

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

For more on the elections click HERE