Unfortunately, only at the Town Council, where scourge of the old ways, Paul Hayward, has been elected Mayor after long decrying the old method of “Buggin’s Turn” and campaigning strongly for openness and transparency.

At district level, the town, now a regeneration area because it has slipped so far behind all the other towns in East Devon (including Seaton) is still in the firm grip of long-time councillors Moulding and Godbeer.

After an effusive speech thanking Councillor Hull (past Mayor) Councillor Godbeer refused to be nominated for the post of Deputy Mayor:

“Nominations were then taken for deputy mayor with Councillor Jeffery nominating existing deputy mayor, Councillor Godbeer. However, Councillor Godbeer said he was not prepared to accept his nomination.”