There was a flurry of activity nationwide as political parties scrambled to finalise their candidate nominations before last Friday's deadline.

In the Wells and Mendip Hills constituency, seven candidates are now set to contest the seat vacated by outgoing Conservative MP James Heappey.

A surprise addition to the list came on Friday, June 7th, with a second Independent candidate - Craig Clarke of The Green in Winscombe - He has maintained an exceptionally low profile, with no online presence or available information about his manifesto.

Independent candidate and Shepton Mallet Town Councillor Abi McGuire is also vying for the seat. McGuire has launched an active campaign, including online advertisements, leaflet distribution, and a series of public meetings to present her manifesto.

With the final list of candidates now confirmed, the race includes:

- Craig Clarke, Independent

- Helen Himms, Reform Party

- Joe Joseph, Labour Party

- Abi McGuire, Independent

- Tessa Munt, Liberal Democrat

- Meg Powell-Chandler, Conservative

- Peter Welsh, Green Party

With the general election set for July 4, 2024, voters in the constituency are advised to note important changes to the way they vote:

Constituency Changes: The revised Wells and Mendip Hills constituency includes Wells, Axbridge, Cheddar, and Shepton Mallet. However, it has been reshaped to exclude the coastal towns of Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge, which are now part of the new Bridgwater constituency, and Street and Glastonbury, which are now in the Glastonbury and Somerton constituency. Additionally, the constituency has expanded to include Yatton and several smaller settlements that were previously part of the Weston-super-Mare constituency. Street and Glastonbury have been moved to the newly formed Somerton and Glastonbury constituency . Additionally, the constituency has expanded to include Yatton and several smaller settlements that were previously part of the Weston-super-Mare constituency.

New Voter ID Requirements: A significant change for all voters in this election is the introduction of mandatory photo ID at polling stations, a measure introduced by the current government. To vote, individuals will need to present one of several forms of acceptable photo ID. This includes UK or Northern Ireland driving licences, UK or other specified passports, various national ID cards, Blue Badges, biometric residence permits, Defence Identity Cards, and more. Even expired IDs will be accepted, provided the photo is still a good likeness.

For those who do not possess any of the acceptable forms of ID, there is an option to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate via the UK Government website, which will require a national insurance number and a recent digital photo.

Proxy Voting: Voters who plan to vote by proxy should note that they will need to bring their own ID to the polling station; they do not need to present ID for the person they are representing.

These changes are crucial for ensuring that all eligible voters can participate in the election without issues. .