Liberal Democrats in Somerset are confident of unseating one of the county's existing MPs after the "stunning" victory in the Tiverton and Honiton by-election.

Retired army major Richard Foord romped to victory in the early hours of Friday morning (June 24) as the party overturned a majority of more than 24,000 following the resignation of Conservative MP and Bridgwater resident Neil Parish.

Somerset councillors who assisted on the campaign trail have been celebrating their victory, which comes less than two months after the Lib Dems won control of the new unitary Somerset Council in the local elections.

The party is now turning its attention to a possible by-election in the Somerton and Frome constituency, following news that current MP David Warburton is being investigated by the parliamentary standards commissioner.

Mr Foord, who used to live in Yatton, used his victory speech in Crediton to call on prime minister Boris Johnson to step down, stating: "The people of Tiverton & Honiton have told you tonight that enough is enough.

"They demand a change. The only decent course of action left open to you is to heed their call and resign."

Several Lib Dem councillors from Somerset took to social media following the by-election result, which saw a swing of nearly 30 per cent from the Conservatives – and resulted in the resignation of national party chairman Oliver Dowden MP.

Councillor Mike Hewitson – who represents the Coker division on Somerset County Council and is chairman of the party's Yeovil branch – said: "We played our part.

"We must have knocked on thousands of doors in Axminster alone yesterday. We had, I think, 14 of us on at different parts of the day."

Councillor Oliver Patrick – who represents the same division – added simply: "The Lib Dems are back."

In addition to controlling the county council, the Lib Dems are currently the largest party on three of Somerset's four district councils (though they are only in outright control of two).

Councillor Adam Boyden – who was elected to represent Frome North on the new unitary Somerset Council – described the result as "amazing" and "stunning."

He added: "It was a referendum on Boris Johnson, as well as a reflection on what happened in the constituency.

"Conservative candidates have to defend the indefensible. It's a turn-off for voters.

"The Lib Dem candidate was brilliant, too. It's a good sign the party is attracting good people."

The party has already selected Sarah Dyke as its candidate for Somerton and Frome – though no by-election has formally been called.

David Warburton (who won the seat from the Lib Dems in 2015) has been suspended from the Conservative Party since April following allegations of sexual harassment and cocaine use.

The Times also reported in April that Mr Warburton had asked the Financial Conduct Authority to "look more favourably" on Russian financier Roman Joukovski – who had allegedly provided Mr Warburton with an undeclared loan of around £150,000 for a holiday rental property.

Mr Warburton has consistently denied these allegations, stating that he had "enormous amounts of defence, but unfortunately the way things work means that doesn't come out first".

The parliamentary standard commissioner formally opened an investigation into Mr Warburton's conduct on Tuesday (June 21) – and if found guilty, he could be suspended from the House of Commons.

A similar suspension led to the resignation of North Shropshire MP and former environment secretary Owen Paterson – which in turn resulted in a by-election victory for the Lib Dems, overturning a majority of around 23,000.

Alternatively, if Mr Warburton is suspended for ten or more sitting days but does not resign, a by-election could be triggered if 10 per cent of Somerton and Frome constituents sign a petition calling for one – as happened when Fiona Onasanya, the former Labour MP for Peterborough, was convicted of perverting the course of justice over a speeding ticket.

These have sprung up all over Frome - where is Warburton they ask ?

Asked if he could see the Lib Dems winning back Somerton and Frome, Mr Boyden said: "It's a no-brainer we can do the same in Somerton and Frome.

"If there's any truth in the allegations against David Warburton, he should resign. If he's entirely innocent, he should make his case and explain himself."

Sarah Dyke – who serves on both the county council and South Somerset District Council – added: "In the event of any by-election, the Liberal Democrats will be fighting hard as the main challengers to the Conservatives, following our incredible result in Tiverton and Honiton and in Somerset at May's local elections.

"The people of Somerton and Frome have been without a voice in parliament now for almost six months. As the cost of living crisis bites, we need a strong voice in Westminster that will stand up for local communities."