Wells and Mendip Hills MP Tessa Munt has yet to confirm whether she will continue serving as both an MP and a Somerset Council councillor during this parliamentary term. Munt, who represents Wells on Somerset Council, has remained silent on the matter since being elected to Parliament in July's general election as one of six Liberal Democrats to secure a Somerset seat.

Her fellow Liberal Democrat MPs have adopted varied approaches to balancing their dual roles. Glastonbury and Somerton MP Sarah Dyke stood down from her Blackmoor Vale council seat in mid-October, triggering a by-election. Meanwhile, Tiverton and Minehead MP Rachel Gilmour, who also serves on Mid Devon District Council, announced she would donate her monthly councillor allowance to Citizens Advice and intends to step down at the local elections in May 2025.

Yeovil MP Adam Dance, who represents South Petherton and Islemoor on Somerset Council, has confirmed he will retain his council seat. Dance argues that staying on as a councillor helps him stay connected with local issues, saying: "Continuing my role as a Somerset Council councillor is essential to effectively serve our community, as it provides me with first-hand knowledge of what is happening on the ground in Somerset."

Munt, a veteran politician with a strong local presence, has so far remained tight-lipped about whether she will follow Dance's lead or step back from her council role to focus solely on parliamentary duties. Her decision will likely shape public opinion on how MPs balance local and national responsibilities.

Munt's constituents and colleagues alike await her statement on the matter, as the conversation around dual mandates continues to grow across Somerset.