THE Conservatives have won two by-elections in the new Bridgwater parliamentary constituency.

The result comes after two by-elections were held yesterday (Monday, December 18) for vacant spots on the Bridgwater Town Council and the Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge Town Council.

Former mayor of Bridgwater, Cllr Diogo Rodrigues, has gained a spot on the Bridgwater Town Council board after winning the Fairfax East Ward by-election.

A 12.41% turnout saw Diogo Rodrigues (Conservative) receive 167 votes, Megan Boucher (Labour) 142, Antony Nickolls (Lib Dem) 74, and independent candidate Pele Barnes 47. 

On Twitter, the new Bridgwater Town Councillor said: "Fantastic result last night as we won two by-elections in the new Bridgwater Constituency.

"One gained from Labour and one gained from Liberals.

"The Conservatives are winning here (no dodgy graph needed)."

Prior to the result, Cllr Rodrigues said he hoped to combat 'overdevelopment' in the East Bower area if he was elected.

In Burnham and Highbridge, Cllr Alistair Hendry won the Highbridge Parish Ward by-election by a minute margin - only two votes separated him (179) and Liberal Democrat candidate Laura Chalmers (177).

Labour candidate Kate Pearce followed closely behind with 149 votes, with an overall turnout of 10.71%.