Sarah Dyke

Sarah Joanne Dyke (born 1971) is a British Liberal Democrat politician who has been Member of Parliament (MP) for Somerton and Frome since the 2023 by-election in the constituency. She succeeded David Warburton, who had resigned from Parliament over allegations of sexual misconduct.

Councillor
Sarah Dyke
MP
Official portrait, 2023
Member of Parliament
for Somerton and Frome
Assumed office
20 July 2023
Preceded byDavid Warburton
Majority11,008 (28.4%)
Member of Somerset Council
for Blackmoor Vale
Assumed office
5 May 2022
Serving with Nicola Clark
Preceded byDivision established
Personal details
Born1971 (age 51–52)
Political partyLiberal Democrats
EducationWarminster School
Alma materHarper Adams University

Early life and education

Sarah Joanne Dyke, born in 1971, comes from a Somerset farming family that can be traced back over 250 years to the local area.[1][2][3] She was educated at Warminster School and studied Agricultural and Business Studies at Harper Adams University.[2]

Local government career

Dyke has represented Blackmoor Vale on Somerset Council since the 2022 election and was lead member for environment and climate change.[4] She chaired the regeneration board for the council.[5][6]

Parliamentary career

Dyke was selected as the Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate for the constituency of Somerton and Frome in May 2022.[7] On 17 June 2023, David Warburton, MP for Somerton and Frome since 2015, announced his intention to resign from Parliament following allegations of sexual harassment.[8] During her campaign it was reported that Dyke was a supporter of Extinction Rebellion.[9]

Dyke was elected as MP for the seat at the July 2023 by-election, with 21,187 votes (54.6 per cent): a majority of 11,008 (28.4 per cent) on a swing of 29.0% from the Conservatives to the Liberal Democrats.[10] On her election, she commented on the absence of her predecessor, saying: "Instead of an absent Conservative MP letting you down, you have an active Lib Dem MP lifting you up."[11]

In the 2023 Periodic Review of Westminster constituencies, Somerton and Frome is expected to be abolished as a parliamentary constituency at the next general election, to form two new constituencies: Glastonbury and Somerton and Frome and East Somerset.[11]

She was sworn in as an MP on 4 September 2023 following the summer break.[12]

Personal life

At the time of her election she owned sixty sheep, four dogs and a cat.[2] She runs a second-hand goods business, Vintage Ghetto.[2][13][14]

References
  1. "Election ... Somerton and Frome constituency: Notice of poll and persons nominated". Somerset Council. 2023. Retrieved 21 July 2023. DYKE, Sarah Joanne
  2. Whannel, Kate (21 July 2023). "Somerton win means there are 10 Lib Dem women MPs in Commons". BBC News. BBC. Retrieved 21 July 2023.
  3. "Lib Dems pick Sarah Dyke for Somerton and Frome". www.libdems.org.uk. Retrieved 21 July 2023.
  4. Clarke, Lewis (20 June 2023). "Liberal Democrats reveal 'passionate' candidate Sarah Dyke at by-election launch". Somerset Live. Retrieved 20 July 2023.
  5. "Wincanton councillors 'disappointed' by regeneration U-turn". BBC News. 21 January 2023. Retrieved 21 July 2023.
  6. "Councillor details – Councillor Sarah Dyke". democracy.somerset.gov.uk. Somerset Council. 21 July 2023. Archived from the original on 2 April 2023. Retrieved 21 July 2023.
  7. Pack, Mark (14 May 2022). "Sarah Dyke selected for Somerton and Frome". Mark Pack. Retrieved 21 July 2023.
  8. "David Warburton quits as MP, triggering another by-election". BBC News. 17 June 2023. Retrieved 21 July 2023.
  9. Sawer, Patrick; Somerville, Ewan (30 June 2023). "Lib Dem 'farmers' candidate' in Somerset by-election is pro-vegan Extinction Rebellion supporter". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 21 July 2023.
  10. "Lib Dems win Somerton and Frome by-election after ex-Tory MP stood down following drug scandal". Sky News. Retrieved 21 July 2023.
  11. "Somerton and Frome by-election: Sarah Dyke promises to be 'active' MP". BBC News. 21 July 2023. Retrieved 21 July 2023.
  12. "Somerset MP Sarah Dyke 'humbled' to take seat in House of Commons". BBC News. 4 September 2023. Retrieved 6 September 2023.
  13. "Vintage Ghetto – Vintage style for you, your home & garden". Retrieved 21 July 2023.
  14. "VIintage Ghetto Ltd". find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk. Companies House. Retrieved 21 July 2023.
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