Conservative Phil Twiss topped the poll in the Honiton St Michael’s ward with 790 votes.

Fellow Tory Mike Allen was second with 763 and Liberal Democrat Luke Jeffery took the third seat with 700 votes.

Cllr Allen said: “I am delighted Phil Twiss and I have been re-elected so we can continue to serve well as we have done for the past eight years or more.

“But clearly there has been a very strong protest vote nationally with the number of Conservative votes down.

“We will make sure the district council remains strongly orientated towards economic growth and good housing whilst protecting the environment.”