We write as some of many individuals within our constituency from a wide spectrum of political allegiances and backgrounds that are desperately concerned at the prospect of another five years of Conservative government.

With a snap election called there has sadly been no time to coordinate a single effort to unseat our current MP. This means that a vote against the Conservatives will likely be spread across three or more parties. Whilst all of us believe in the fundamentals of democracy and our right to be heard at the ballot, this is not by any means a normal election.

When Theresa May called this snap election it was firmly from a point-of-view that her position would be strengthened; capitalising on a strong and supportive press and a divided opposition.  This is a government that has sought a hard Brexit without mandate, overseen a growth in inequality and poverty - both within our constituency and nationally - and has crippled the NHS and Education.

Our feelings are that this government must be challenged and it is our opinion that the only way to do this is to vote for the progressive party within our constituency that has the greatest chance of unseating David Warburton. That party is the Liberal Democrats and their candidate is Mark Blackburn.

For many of us this is a bitter pill to swallow, especially given the coalition between the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives in 2010. However this is a once in a generation opportunity to make our voice heard against a Conservative government that will, if unchallenged, steam roller over the values that many of us hold dear.

This June 8th we have a chance to put aside our political and tribal allegiances to stand behind the one party that can unseat the incumbent Tory MP in this constituency and show Westminster that we will not lie down and take 5 years of hard Brexit negotiations, increased inequality and policies that push an agenda of profit over the environment and the most vulnerable members of society.

Ours is a proudly diverse, engaged and progressive constituency. This election has highlighted how much we all care about our democracy.
So this June 8th please decide what you care more about - showing your support for a party that cannot win, or striving to unseat a party whose policies we cannot abide.

Vote Smart in Somerton and Frome
http://votesmart.sofr.uk/