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.
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. She was educated at Warminster School and studied Agricultural and Business Studies at Harper Adams University.
Local government career
Dyke has represented Blackmoor Vale on Somerset Council since the 2022 election and was lead member for environment and climate change. She chaired the regeneration board for the council.
Parliamentary career
Dyke was selected as the Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate for the constituency of Somerton and Frome in May 2022. 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. During her campaign it was reported that Dyke was a supporter of Extinction Rebellion.
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. 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."
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.
She was sworn in as an MP on 4 September 2023 following the summer break.
Personal life
At the time of her election she owned sixty sheep, four dogs and a cat. She runs a second-hand goods business, Vintage Ghetto.
References
External links
21st-century British women politicians
Female members of the Parliament of the United Kingdom for English constituencies Liberal Democrats (UK) MPs for English constituencies 1971 births Living people Politicians from Somerset UK MPs 2019–present Liberal Democrats (UK) councillors Councillors in Somerset Date of birth missing (living people) Alumni of Harper Adams University People educated at Warminster School Women councillors in England