Here is a summary of the local election results in the rest of Devon (Plymouth and Exeter already reported)

• Mid Devon District Council (whole council)

The Liberal Democrats have won control of Mid Devon, in a big boost to local Lib Dem MP and by-election winner Richard Foord.

From Devon to Dacorum and Stratford to Surrey, Lib Dems say they are winning big right across the country.

• North Devon Council (whole council)

The Liberal Democrats have expanded their control of North Devon Council, now holding 23 of the 42 seats, having won one extra member.

The Greens also made a gain, moving from two to three seats, with the Conservatives losing one seat and dropping down to seven, while there are now nine Independents, down from 10.

• South Hams District Council (whole council)

The Liberal Democrats have gained enough seats to take overall control of South Hams District Council.

• Teignbridge (whole council)

The Liberal Democrats gained in Teignbridge and so now have overall control of the council. Before the election, no party had overall control.

• Torbay (whole council)

The Conservative Party have won enough seats to gain a majority in Torbay.

• Torridge (whole council)

Independent candidates won the most seats in Torridge, taking 16 of 36 available. The Liberal Democrats took eight seats, followed by the Conservatives with six, but no party has overall control.

• West Devon (whole council)

The election results in West Devon mean no one party has overall control of the council. The Conservative Party previously had the majority.

But which is which?

The Lib Dems have now just pipped the Conservatives to the post to become the largest party, ousting, along the way, Tory group leader Phil Skinner.

Despite the spin, see below, from Simon Jupp and yesterday’s man Phil Skinner, this is the third electoral cycle in a row in which the local Tories have lost ground. In 2011 the Tory councillors numbered 43 (in a council of 59). In 2015 this had fallen to 36. In 2019 (when the council was enlarged to 60) it had fallen further to 19, though they picked up three wards in by-elections. Now in 2023 they have fallen back to 17.

The council is now split three ways: Independents, Lib Dems and Tory.

[Independents 19, Lib Dem 18 there is now also 1 Liberal, Conservatives 17, Labour 3, Greens 2]  Full results here

Worth mentioning that the three Independents running on a combined ticket in Axminster: Paul Hayward, Deputy former Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder Economy and Assets; and Sarah Jackson, former  Portfolio Holder Democracy, Transparency and Communications plus their like minded running mate Simon Smith; swept the board ousting two Tories. Sarah was a lone Independent in the Ward

Many of the Independents (see above) and the greens were part of the outgoing inclusive coalition. Owl hopes that this “rainbow” coalition will continue, no doubt intensive negotiations are taking place.

Questions: will the Tories now take stock of their failed vested interest policies? 

Who will now become Blue Leader given that nine of the old stagers “retired”? Those left include: Helen Parr  and Ben Ingham ? – Owl.

Local elections 2023: Lib Dems make gains as East Devon stays hung

www.bbc.co.uk

East Devon District Council remains under no overall control, with the Lib Dems making the biggest election gains.

The party gained 11 seats, with 18 overall, including former council leader Paul Arnott’s re-election to Colley Valley. [Fact check – Owl thinks the Lib Dem total is 19 – there are 60 councillors in total]

The Independents lost eight, making their total 19, while the Conservatives won 17, conceding five, Labour won three and the Greens two.

It is likely the Democratic Alliance, a cross-party group, will retain control.

Mr Arnott, leader of the last administration, has been re-elected as a Liberal Democrat, having been elected as an Independent in 2019.

He said the result was “indicative that the Lib Dems are really bedding in now in East Devon and it promises a lot more to come”.

Violet Bonetta, one of Labour’s three winning candidates, became the youngest-ever councillor in East Devon at the age of 18, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

Ms Bonetta said she wanted to encourage more young people into politics.

“This is the first election I’ve been involved in, let alone run for an election, so I would encourage anyone thinking about running as a councillor to go for it,” she said.

Philip Skinner, the former Conservative group leader on the council, was ousted from his seat by Liberal Democrat Richard Jefferies by a couple of hundred votes.

Mr Skinner told the BBC he was “really surprised” by the outcome and hoped it was a “bump in the road” for the Tories.

Simon Jupp, Conservative MP for East Devon, said he was “disappointed” in the net loss of five councillors but that gains in Sidmouth and Exmouth were “positive”.

East Devon District Council results May 2023 – Declaration of results for East Devon District Council Tale Vale ward 4 May 2023 – East Devon

eastdevon.gov.uk 

25. Declaration of results for East Devon District Council Tale Vale ward 4 May 2023

Tale Vale

Name of Candidate	Description (if any)	Number of votes	Elected?
JEFFERIES Richard O	Liberal Democrats	627	Yes
SKINNER Philip	Conservative Party Candidate	421

Electorate: 2174
Ballot Papers Issued: 1050
Rejected Ballot Papers: 2
Turnout: 48.3%

Jake Bonetta (Labour) who switched from defending his seat on East Devon, fails to oust Tories in St Loye’s

Labour is still the dominant force on Exeter City Council but experienced a mixed night in the local elections.

Ollie Heptinstall, local democracy reporter www.radioexe.co.uk

For the second year running, it gained a second seat in the former Tory stronghold of Topsham, but lost a seat in St Thomas to former Lib Dem council leader Adrian Fullam.

Meanwhile, in the only other seat to change hands, the Greens won in Newtown and St Leonard’s, which had previously been occupied by an Independent who didn’t seek re-election.

Only a third of the 39-seat council was up for election – in line with the usual cycle.

Labour still holds 25 seats, the same as before the election, although its tally is one down on the 2022 election result due to one of its councillors then becoming an independent.

The Greens are up one to six councillors – now the largest outright opposition party on the council – but they are expected to continue working with the Liberal Democrats as part of the ‘Progressive Group’.

Meanwhile, it was another poor night in Exeter for the Conservatives, who now have just four councillors after losing another in Topsham. However, the party successfully fought off a strong Labour challenge to retain St Loye’s.

And after gaining a seat in St Thomas and defending their existing one in Duryard & St James, the Liberal Democrats now have three councillors.

FULL RESULTS

ALPHINGTON

Yvonne Atkinson (Labour): 1,187 – HOLD

John Bowman (Green): 306
Jamie Horner (Liberal Democrat): 150
Katherine New (Conservatives): 653

DURYARD AND ST JAMES

David Blagden (Labour): 791

Simon Egan (Green): 278
Harry Johnson-Hill (Conservatives): 213
Michael Mitchell (Liberal Democrat): 938 – HOLD

EXWICK

Joanne Giencke (Liberal Democrats): 117
Kayleigh Luscombe (Conservatives): 333
Susannah Patrick (Labour): 1,145 – HOLD
Frankie Rufolo (Independent): 263
Mark Shorto (Green): 268

HEAVITREE

Carol Bennett (Green): 1,308 – HOLD
Alfie Carlisle (Conservatives): 278
Lucy Haigh (Independent): 301
Gemma Rolstone (Labour): 1,020
Rod Ruffle (Liberal Democrat): 100

MINCINGLAKE AND WHIPTON

David Luscombe (Conservatives): 352
Mike Payne (Liberal Democrat): 184
Alex Stephan (Green): 198
Ruth Williams (Labour): 1,191 – HOLD

NEWTOWN AND ST LEONARD’S

Julian Gallie (Conservaties): 213
Andy Ketchin (Green): 1,373 – GAIN FROM IND
Vanessa Newcombe (Liberal Democrat): 104
Carol Whitton (Labour): 1,035

PENNSYLVANIA

Will Aczel (Liberal Democrats): 199
Robert Sheridan (Conservatives): 423
Martyn Snow (Labour): 1,194 – HOLD
Lizzie Woodman (Green): 882

PINHOE

Rory Jack Clark (Liberal Democrat): 183
Ann Barbara Keen (Green): 227
Cynthia Thompson (Conservatives): 778
Mollie Miller (Labour): 1,251 – HOLD

PRIORY

Jane Begley (Labour): 1,062 – HOLD
Ben Hawkes (Conservatives): 469
Joel Stobart (Green): 278
Philip Thomas (Liberal Democrat): 237

ST DAVID’S

George Baker (Conservatives): 230
Diana Moore (Green): 1,322 – HOLD
Andrew Soper (Liberal Democrats): 85
Ellen Miriam Stuart (Labour): 752

ST LOYE’S

Jake Bonetta (Labour): 980
Phil Brock (Liberal Democrat): 164
Alison Sheridan (Conservatives): 1,127 – HOLD
Jack Vickers (Green): 189

ST THOMAS

Ashley Carr (Conservatives): 167
Deborah Darling (Labour): 1,109
Adrian Fullam (Liberal Democrats): 1,217 – GAIN FROM LAB
Natasha Jane Hannaford (Reform UK): 57
Johanna Korndorfer (Green): 210

TOPSHAM

Christine Campion (Liberal Democrat): 230
Jonathan Mills (Green): 259
Rob Newby (Conservatives): 1,098
Matthew Williams (Labour): 1,394 – GAIN FROM CON
 

Labour have taken control of Plymouth council – weeks after a “massacre” where 110 mature trees were felled under the cover of darkness as part of a regeneration project.

Are we surprised? – Owl

Chay Quinn www.lbc.co.uk 

Labour won 15 of the 19 seats being contested – to take full majority control of the local authority which was under No Overall Control.

A fortnight ago, Plymouth City Council contractors felled more than 100 trees in the city centre before a court injunction won by protesters forced them to stop.

Former council head Richard Bingley sparked outrage when he ordered the felling of 110 healthy trees in Plymouth city centre last week.

He ordered over 100 trees to be chopped down in the middle of the night to make way for a £12.7 million redevelopment project.

He was set to face a vote of no-confidence by the opposition Green party over the incident after swathes of criticism, but announced his resignation before the vote was brought.

In his resignation speech, he said: “I’ve always said I’m not a full-time politician, I don’t seek to be, I’m just an individual who is passionate and ambitious for Plymouth.

“If others feel they can run our glorious Ocean City better, then that’s great with me. ‘Over to you’, I say.”

Nick Ferrari called out the council at the time for lying, stating there is “no defence” for the decision.

Nick said: “You’ve got men and women climbing ladders, using chainsaws and those giant chipping machines, and you do it in darkness, at night because of ‘safety concerns’.

“What a load of cobblers! What a blatant lie by Plymouth City Council. How many times have you walked down the street… where a certain area is taped off because they’re bringing trees down? It happens all the time.

“This was so there was no way that the people could stop it because this council knew that it was wrong. I hope every councillor who voted in favour of this is kicked out on their well-remunerated backside. There is no defence!”

Nick continued his rant: “Trees that have been there since the 1960s felled at night because of the fury of local residents… and mostly for cyclists. What is it with cyclists? Dear God, they’ve taken most of our roads now, they’ve got some of our pavements, now we’ve got to chop down trees to support these people.”

The trees are being cut down in Plymouth city centre as part of a regeneration scheme that would see the planting of 169 new semi-mature trees, the local authority has said.

Later, Nick Ferrari at Breakfast, a caller, Mick in Titchfield said that the report made his “stomach churn”, arguing that the council’s decision was “absolutely disgusting”.

Another caller, Richard in Marlborough, branded the move a “typical bureaucratic nightmare run by a bunch of little Hitlers”.

He went on to say, “It’s appalling what they’ve done in Plymouth”.

Jeremy Craig-Weston, who is standing as a Tory candidate in Thursday’s council elections in Oldham, said he ‘loathes’ the PM, who he has branded a ‘backstabbing scrote’

Dave Burke (Extract see  www.mirror.co.uk for more)

A Tory probe has been opened into the online comments

Rishi Sunak has been branded a “moron”, a “wretched little man” and a “back-stabbing scrote” by one of his party’s own election candidates.

Legal & General is to halt new production at its loss-making modular housing factory near Leeds while it reviews the future of the business, putting 450 jobs at risk and casting doubt over the pioneering sector’s prospects.

Julia Kollewe www.theguardian.com 

The factory, one of the biggest in the UK, manufactures homes in prefabricated modules that are put together on site, which is faster than tradition construction and has been hailed as a possible solution to the housing shortage.

However, amid long planning delays and weak demand, the insurance and pensions group has told staff it is ceasing the construction of new modules and will let the majority of them go.

The company will begin a consultation with employees about redundancies, retaining a number to build modular homes for existing projects in Bristol, Selby in North Yorkshire and Broadstairs in Kent.

Strategic options for the factory include a sale, merger, fundraising from third parties or eventual closure.

L&G’s modular housing business has made slower progress than expected, running up cumulative losses of £176m since it was established in 2016 by the insurer’s outgoing chief executive, Nigel Wilson. Its parent has injected £182m into it over that period.

Several other modular housing firms are also in the red; three went bust last year. One of the few profitable firms is the Bedford-based Vision Modular Systems.

Bill Hughes, chair of the L&G modular homes board, said: “We are reluctantly proposing to reduce business activity and cease production of new modules at the factory.

“We recognise this will be a challenging and uncertain period for our staff and we will be actively exploring redeployment opportunities and supporting them during this difficult time.

Hughes said L&G remained “deeply committed” to the UK housing sector, after building 15,000 homes overall over the past three years.

“As such, we are continuing to actively explore all options available to us and will retain a select workforce to ensure high quality delivery and aftercare services for our existing customers, whilst engaging with each of our partners regarding ongoing modular projects.”

Local authorities in England have not been given the funding or powers to fulfil the government’s strategy on air pollution, and air quality in English towns and cities is likely to suffer as a result, local governments and charities have said.

Fiona Harvey www.theguardian.com 

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) published its latest plan late on 28 April, just before the UK bank holiday weekend. It followed a consultation earlier that month that was only days long, which local authorities said was not enough time for them to contribute properly.

The strategy requires local authorities in England to improve air quality, through measures such as traffic restrictions and clamping down on wood-burning stoves. No new funding is on offer, and measures such as traffic calming are often controversial and difficult for local governments to implement, while experts have said regulations on wood burning are inadequate to reduce pollution from this rapidly growing source.

The Healthy Air Coalition, made up of dozens of health and pollution charities and local governments, called for a change of direction from ministers, saying progress on air pollution had “plateaued” since the Covid pandemic.

Anna Garrod, policy director at Impact on Urban Health, said: “Air pollution is, right now, devastating people’s health across the country. It’s a public health crisis that costs the economy billions of pounds every year. Not only that, but time and time again, research shows air pollution is a social justice issue which disproportionately affects people who often contribute the least, like children.”

Local governments are especially frustrated that the consultation on the strategy, which opened on 11 April, closed on 21 April.

Liz Clements, a councillor and cabinet member for transport in Birmingham, said: “The government provided just nine working days to respond to a strategy that seeks to address the biggest environmental risk to public health. The strategy makes clear the essential role that local government has in delivering cleaner air for communities. Yet in the time provided to develop an informed response to such a key document, there has been no recognition of the need for local government to assess potential impacts on a significant number of service areas.”

She called for Defra to give local authorities more time to respond, and to work with them on the issues.

Some local authorities also fear the government is not speaking with a unified voice. Some of the measures called for in the new air quality strategy are the same ones that a number of Conservative politicians, at local and national level, are campaigning against or complaining about before local elections on 4 May.

These include low emission zones, low traffic neighbourhoods, systems to filter buses from traffic, and other measures often clumped with “15-minute cities” that have become the target of conspiracy theorists, whose messages Conservative politicians often amplify on social media.

Christopher Hammond, a former leader of Southampton city council, said: “A vocal and growing lobby that views any attempt to get people out of their cars as restricting freedom has heightened the sense of controversy and genuine fears over a minority of violent threats, which risk eroding the political will to implement bold but effective measures.”

The Healthy Air Coalition has examined the effect of some existing measures on air quality. Local air quality management areas are supposed to enable local government to take urgent measures to reduce air pollution in hotspots and should be revoked when air pollution goals are met.

The group analysed measures in force across the UK and found that 68.5% of UK local authorities still have one or more such areas. The first one introduced in Westminster 24 years ago is among those still in place.

The group said the persistence of these management areas showed that air pollution was not being solved.

Jason Torrance, interim chief executive of UK100, a group of local authorities working together on environmental issues, said much more action was needed, and the latest plans for Defra were inadequate.

“The latest statistics reveal the worrying scale of the government’s air quality failures,” he said. “Hard-working councillors will be left gasping for breath, as the government is asking them to take on all the political risk for traffic reduction and wood burning, without offering the necessary policy support or funding.”

He called for a rethink. “Defra officials have done well in the circumstances, and we welcome the commitment to help councils with air quality communication, but it’s hard to see this strategy delivering clean air without putting in place significant improvements to a national and local government partnership,” he said.

The political chaos of 2022 could prove fruitful for independent candidates in Thursday’s local elections as they aim to offer an apolitical alternative to those alienated and frustrated by the main parties.

Eleanor Langford inews.co.uk

A Conservative Party source told i in the run up to the local elections that they expected many of their voters to stay at home, as they’d become “depressed” by the churn of prime ministers and the party’s poor standing in the polls. But others are turning to candidates with a more local agenda.

Samantha Harvey, a councillor in Rutland, East Midlands can understand their frustration. After winning her seat in 2019, she resigned from the Conservative Party alongside two colleagues in May 2022, just over a month before the resignation of Boris Johnson.

“It wasn’t what had been done, it was the lying that had got to me, and the covering up of the lies,” she told i.

“I still have Conservative leanings, there’s no doubt about that, I’ve not suddenly become a massive socialist. But, I think if you remain [in the party] then you condone the behaviour. I’ve got an 18-year-old son – what values am I then teaching [if i stayed]?”

She has now joined the around 2,500 councillors currently sitting as independents in England and Wales. That total has grown rapidly in recent years. In 2017 there were less than 1,600.

Independent councillors are fairly clear about why their cohort has been growing – they offer their communities an apolitical, locally-focused alternative to those disillusioned by national politics.

“As a country, we’re very disenfranchised by our national political system at the moment,” said Noel Ovenden, a councillor in Ashford, Kent and leader of the Ashford Independents.

“I think that there’s a lot of unrest out there, and a lot of people on the doorstep breathe a sigh of relief when they find that there is another option for them.”

His party – which bears the strapline “no national politics in local government” – has proven popular in the area and enters Thursday’s elections with 18 candidates, including 10 incumbent councillors.

Ashford Independents is one of dozens of non-partisan local parties operating across the UK, which act as a support network for independent councillors without requiring its members to vote or campaign in a certain way.

Marianne Overton, is the leader of a similar group, the Lincolnshire Independents, and is also chair of the Local Government Association Independent Group. She told i that much of the support for independent candidates is borne from a sense of being failed at a local level by the national parties.

“I think people are very disappointed and angry at the impact of the national Conservative’s actions, that they’re having a significant adverse impact. They’re making their lives miserable people,” she said.

Ms Overton added that issues like the cost of living crisis, access to housing, stretched NHS services and crime had led many in the area to turn to local politicians who were “independent and prepared to stand up for their communities”.

Keeping the “local” in local politics was what led Geraldine Mathieson, an independent councillor on East Riding of Yorkshire Council, to quit the main parties long before the recent political chaos.

She first stood as a Conservative, but soon realised that “all the politics of the group really got in the way of doing the job properly and serving residents”, and was successfully re-elected in her ward as an independent candidate in 2015.

“I’ve done two elections, and got much higher votes as an independent, which was really nice, because that was a personal vote,” she told i.

“Sometimes if what was best for my residents and for my ward wasn’t what was best for the ruling group, then there was scope for disagreement. And as far as I was concerned, my residents came first.”

Ms Mathieson said that many people “don’t want to get involved with politics” anymore and the main political parties “have ruined a lot of it”.

“People don’t join political parties anymore, so they’re scraping the bottom of the barrel for candidates in many ways. It’s definitely time for independents to come forth and put their head above the parapet,” she added.

For John Whittle, a fellow independent on East Riding of Yorkshire Council, the fact that unaffiliated candidates are growing in number shows that they offer more local voice than the mainstream political parties.

“The proof of the pudding is in the eating. If they didn’t want independent representation, they wouldn’t actually vote for it,” he said.

“I’ve always felt that political counsellors have to serve two masters – they have to serve both the political party and the residents of their area. An independent counsellor has the freedom to represent people as they should be represented.”

(Apologies, a little later than usual. – Owl)

• Raising of roof, conversion of roof space to habitable space including front and rear dormers and balcony; creation of new vehicle access 29 Poplar Tree Drive Seaton Devon EX12 2TWRef. No: 23/0890/FUL | Validated: Fri 21 Apr 2023 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Proposed loft conversion with rear dormer 78 Midway Exmouth EX8 2PHRef. No: 23/0882/FUL | Validated: Fri 21 Apr 2023 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Proposed two storey extension with associated landscaping works to provide accessible lift access to the dwelling Heatherleigh Coreway Sidford Sidmouth Devon EX10 9SDRef. No: 23/0887/FUL | Validated: Fri 21 Apr 2023 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Construction of rear extension and roof replacement 4 Barn Hayes Sidmouth EX10 9EERef. No: 23/0888/FUL | Validated: Fri 21 Apr 2023 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Single storey front flat roof extension 26 Durham Close Exmouth Devon EX8 5QURef. No: 23/0889/FUL | Validated: Fri 21 Apr 2023 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Construction of single storey rear extension measuring 5.25m in length, 2.81m to eaves and 3.72m in total height 51 Meadow View Road Exmouth Devon EX8 4ETRef. No: 23/0874/GPD | Validated: Thu 20 Apr 2023 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Proposed painting, signage, tiling to ground floor, exterior walls and reinstate existing awning. 43 The Strand Exmouth EX8 1ALRef. No: 23/0875/FUL | Validated: Thu 20 Apr 2023 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Proposed painting, signage, tiling to ground floor, exterior walls and reinstate existing awning 43 The Strand Exmouth EX8 1ALRef. No: 23/0876/LBC | Validated: Thu 20 Apr 2023 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Proposed single storey rear extension and creation of detached auxiliary 2 storey accommodation along with rear parking and bin/bike store. 33 Salterton Road Exmouth EX8 2EDRef. No: 23/0865/FUL | Validated: Thu 20 Apr 2023 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Internal alterations and changes to the rear southwest facade fenestrations, including the creation of dormer balcony. Silver Birch Apartments 2 Portland Avenue Exmouth Devon EX8 2BSRef. No: 23/0866/FUL | Validated: Thu 20 Apr 2023 | Status: Awaiting decision
• T1 and T2: x2 Cordyline Australis – complete removal, including rhizome and roots. 8 Fore Street Hill Budleigh Salterton Devon EX9 6PERef. No: 23/0872/TCA | Validated: Fri 21 Apr 2023 | Status: Awaiting decision
• The construction of an agricultural storage building. Towhill Farm Westwood Broadclyst Devon EX5 3DJRef. No: 23/0843/FUL | Validated: Tue 18 Apr 2023 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Proposed 6 bay extension to existing shed Land At Ridge Cross Ridge Stockland EX14 9ENRef. No: 23/0840/AGR | Validated: Tue 18 Apr 2023 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Proposed single storey rear extension. 23 Yallop Way Honiton Devon EX14 2GNRef. No: 23/0844/FUL | Validated: Tue 18 Apr 2023 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Change of use from the existing nursing home to a dwelling. Halstead Sea Hill Seaton EX12 2QTRef. No: 23/0845/FUL | Validated: Tue 18 Apr 2023 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Proposed 2 storey rear extension. 4 Ryll Court Drive Exmouth Devon EX8 2JPRef. No: 23/0848/FUL | Validated: Tue 18 Apr 2023 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Replacement dwelling and removal of existing garage roof with a low flat roof replacement. (re-submission of alterations and extensions scheme 22/1732/FUL as new build). Whitley Cottage Farway Devon EX24 6EHRef. No: 23/0834/FUL | Validated: Wed 19 Apr 2023 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Demolition of buildings in yard and construction of single storey extension to shop with new pitched roof over to create new flat, part in existing building and part in new roof. 19 Harbour Road Seaton Devon EX12 2LXRef. No: 23/0831/FUL | Validated: Wed 19 Apr 2023 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Variation of condition 2 of application 21/3224/FUL (Demolition of existing 3 bedroom bungalow and erection of a single storey 3 bedroom dwelling including construction of plant room and car port) to change the roof finish from a natural slate to a profile metal sheet Stipperstones Brampford Speke Exeter EX5 5HJRef. No: 23/0836/VAR | Validated: Tue 18 Apr 2023 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Prior approval for the proposed change of use of existing agricultural buildings in two self-contained dwelling and associated works under the provision of Class Q of part 3 of the general permitted development order Barton Farmhouse Village Way AylesbeareRef. No: 23/0825/PDQ | Validated: Tue 18 Apr 2023 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Garage Conversion Into a mixed use garage/home office/guest area. Dunscombe Cottage Salcombe Regis Devon EX10 0PNRef. No: 23/0827/LBC | Validated: Mon 17 Apr 2023 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Garage Conversion Into a mixed use garage/home office/guest area. Dunscombe Cottage Salcombe Regis Devon EX10 0PNRef. No: 23/0826/FUL | Validated: Mon 17 Apr 2023 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Conversion of garage to study including glazed link, new garage Foxwood Combpyne Axminster Devon EX13 8SYRef. No: 23/0835/FUL | Validated: Mon 17 Apr 2023 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Proposed agricultural building The Cabin Every Hill Shells Lane Colyford EX24 6QERef. No: 23/0832/FUL | Validated: Mon 17 Apr 2023 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Demolition of previously constructed extension and detached garage. Construction of replacement two storey extension, detached garage & feature entrance porch together with installation of new sewage treatment plant. 1 Ash Cottages Fenny Bridges Honiton EX14 3BLRef. No: 23/0818/FUL | Validated: Wed 19 Apr 2023 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Replacement rear extension and extension to front balcony, with alterations 100 Ashleigh Road Exmouth Devon EX8 2JZRef. No: 23/0820/FUL | Validated: Thu 20 Apr 2023 | Status: Awaiting decision
• T1, Birch : reduce by approximately 3m and shorten side growth by 1 – 2m to a suitable side branch to leave a natural form. 10 Heather Grange West Hill Devon EX11 1XZRef. No: 23/0823/TRE | Validated: Mon 17 Apr 2023 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Installation of 60 x 50 kw Solar panels in garden. Greendale Fortescue Road Sidmouth Devon EX10 9QGRef. No: 23/0813/FUL | Validated: Tue 18 Apr 2023 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Erection of a building for implement storage Lower Southmoor Farm Brampford Speke Devon EX5 5DYRef. No: 23/0805/FUL | Validated: Tue 18 Apr 2023 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Erection of roof over existing manure store. Southdown Farm Common Hill Beer Devon EX12 3AHRef. No: 23/0807/FUL | Validated: Mon 17 Apr 2023 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Erection of a front, side, rear extension and alterations. Longmead Combpyne Road Musbury Devon EX13 8SRRef. No: 23/0760/FUL | Validated: Tue 18 Apr 2023 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Proposed single storey side extension to replace existing garage 66 St Johns Road Exmouth Devon EX8 4EHRef. No: 23/0754/FUL | Validated: Mon 17 Apr 2023 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Construction of 45 dwellings (including affordable housing), and all other associated development Land At Pinn Court Farm (Phase 4) Pinncourt Lane ExeterRef. No: 23/0747/MFUL | Validated: Thu 20 Apr 2023 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Construction of replacement garage and new timber shed. Swanbourne Hillside Road Sidmouth Devon EX10 8JFRef. No: 23/0757/FUL | Validated: Mon 17 Apr 2023 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Erection of a single storey rear extension and installation of decking 3 Fir Tree Close Exmouth Devon EX8 4EURef. No: 23/0708/FUL | Validated: Thu 20 Apr 2023 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Retrospective application for the erection of a timber shed The Old Orchard Whitford Devon EX13 7PDRef. No: 23/0702/FUL | Validated: Thu 20 Apr 2023 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Hybrid application: Outline application for the erection of up to 140 dwellings, 0.8 hectares of Class-E employment land, public open space, drainage and ancillary works (all matters reserved except access). Full application for works to football training pitch including drainage improvement work, 4x 15m tall floodlighting columns and erection of 6m high ballstop netting on west side of football pitch and training ground Land Adjacent Cloakham Lawn And Chard Road Chard Road AxminsterRef. No: 23/0685/MOUT | Validated: Tue 18 Apr 2023 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Proposed 2 storey front extensions and internal and external alterations and installation of 16 solar panels. Shepherds Park Bungalow Woodbury Devon EX5 1LARef. No: 23/0621/FUL | Validated: Fri 21 Apr 2023 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Oak tree – pollard to approximately 6 – 7m. Kilmar The Hill Kilmington Devon EX13 7SFRef. No: 23/0607/TRE | Validated: Wed 19 Apr 2023 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Construction of a multi-functional concrete wheeled sport facility and access path Land Off Tillhouse Road Exeter CranbrookRef. No: 23/0540/FUL | Validated: Mon 17 Apr 2023 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Replace 1no. window on ground floor front (north east) elevation St Giles Cottage Deepway Sidbury Sidmouth EX10 0SARef. No: 23/0499/LBC | Validated: Wed 19 Apr 2023 | Status: Awaiting decision

Government defeats move to tighten UK foreign donations law

Will this come to haunt Simon, just like when he helped to vote down the amendment to stop pollution?

Will his new mantra be: “I never voted to accept dodgy money”? – Owl

UK elections remain at risk from interference by hostile states after the government voted down a move to close loopholes on foreign donations to parties, campaigners have warned.

Ben Quinn www.theguardian.com 

The chair of parliament’s security committee was among those who backed an amendment to the national security bill that would have obliged political parties to carry out due diligence on the true source of donations from companies and individuals.

The amendment was sponsored by three members of the House of Lords including the former director general of MI5, Jonathan Evans.

After the government used its majority on Wednesday to whip Conservative party MPs into voting against the proposal, the campaign group Spotlight on Corruption described it as “a badly missed opportunity to protect the next election from malign influences”.

While parties are banned from taking money from overseas states, critics argue that the rules designed to prohibit foreign donations under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (PPERA) are riddled with loopholes allowing money to be channelled to parties and MPs.

Those loopholes could include a UK-registered company which draws on profits from abroad, or Unincorporated Associations (UAs) which can donate money to parties that they receive from foreign sources. The UK’s main political parties were reported in 2021 to have accepted £12.9m in donations from UAs over the previous five years, none of which can be connected to the original donor.

Wednesday’s amendment would have required British parties to publish and keep updated a policy statement to ensure the identification of donations from foreign powers, whether made directly or through an intermediary, and provide an annual statement of risk management to the Electoral Commission.

Julian Lewis, the Conservative chair of parliament’s intelligence and security committee, said he firmly supported the proposed clause, warning MPs on Wednesday that the UK has previously “clearly welcomed Russian money, including in the political sphere”.

“The amendment is eminently reasonable, it shouldn’t be controversial for political parties to want to ensure the transparency of their foreign political donations,” he said. “We must protect against covert, foreign-state-backed financial donations if we are to defend our democratic institutions from harmful interference and influence.”

The security minister, Tom Tugendhat, said the national security bill was “now in a strong position” and had “effective tools and powers to tackle hostile activity taken on British soil”.

The Lords amendment in relation to political donations “is not needed”, he said, adding: “The law already makes robust provision in relation to donations to political parties.

“Foreign donations are banned, it is an offence to accept them and there are strong rules safeguarding against impermissible donations via the back door. Parties can only accept donations from permissible donors, as such the government will not accept this amendment.”

The Labour MP, Chris Bryant, asked during the same debate: “What would a party do if, for instance, they were offered a donation for, let’s say, £50,000 by somebody who lives and works in Moscow today?

“The law says they have to do nothing as long as they are on the electoral register. But surely, we would want to say I’m not sure that that’s quite right.”

The Lords amendment was voted down by 254 votes to 134 – a majority of 120. Lewis was the only Conservative MP who voted against the government to keep the amendment in.

It now returns to the House of Lords, where peers will decide whether to accept the government’s rejection of their amendment, or propose a different amendment.

Owl’s concern is that the Conservatives hope to gain seats by default.

By introducing the requirement for photo ID, they have smuggled dishonourable intent in a measure purporting to strengthen the rules.

They have skewed the election by making it harder for young voters to meet the ID requirements. Older voters are more likely to vote Conservative.

They may also be relying on general apathy. It seems to Owl that there are far fewer “Blue Posters” in evidence than usual. This could indicate a general loss in Tory morale, nearly half of existing Tory councillors are not standing, but thinks it more likely to be a deliberate policy designed to create a “low key” setting and low turn out.

Instead, the Tories seem to have used their ample party coffers to bombard electors with leaflets, including using mailshots.

Under our “first past the post” electoral system it is quite common to find a dominant party, such as the Conservatives, gaining power with only a minority of the vote. The outgoing EDDC coalition of LibDems, Independents and Greens (with tacit support from Labour) is a fragile exception.

To maintain this in East Devon, as Owl hopes it will be, requires careful consideration of how to vote. 

The danger is that the “anything but conservative” vote can become split amongst a wide choice of alternatives.

Martin Shaw, Chair of the East Devon Alliance, who played a significant part in helping Independent Councillors become the pivot in the formation of the coalition, gives an insight in the sort of reasoning one might apply to the candidates in the wards in his neighbourhood: Seaton and Colyton; and Beer and Branscombe.

Otherwise here is a common sense  “pecking order” of preferences:

Where they are standing, Owl suggests giving first preference to existing members of the coalition cabinet, portfolio and assistant portfolio holders. Then to those who are members of the coalition or who have supported them.

As mentioned previously, a vote for leaving the Greater Exeter Strategic Plan is a good test of who to vote for. Voting to stay is definitely a “Red Flag”.

Then it may be down to personal preference or, for some, a matter of voting tactically, for which candidate/s is/are perceived most likely to win. Where you have a number of votes you do not have to use them all. Tories will invariably block vote for their party.

The EDDC Humphreys investigation has not featured as an election issue because it has been withdrawn, pending evaluation of “new information”. If accurate, this information has the potential to materially affect some elements of the Verita Report.

The Commissioning Group for this report is led by Simon Davey, Chief Finance Officer, and, in the outgoing council, three councillors: Cllr Ian Thomas (Council Chair), Cllr Sarah Jackson (portfolio holder for transparency and democracy) and Cllr Jess Bailey.

Ian Thomas is standing down. If Sarah Jackson and Jess Bailey fail to be re-elected then all councillor collective knowledge of this investigation will be lost.

Jess Bailey has been the instigator and driving force behind the investigation. In answer to a question from her in a Devon County Council Cllr Leadbetter (Conservative member for  Wearside & Topsham) said: “I think you should leave this subject alone. You keep asking questions.”.

Worse, if the new Chair is a Tory, Owl thinks the Verita report will never see the light of day.

Finally, the 2019 election returned a number of younger councillors and it would be healthy for democracy to see that trend continue.

In a repeat of voting against the Lord’s amendment to stop sewage discharges, Tory MP’s are set to vote against further scrutiny of donations to UK political parties.

The Lords amendment to the National Security Bill aims to raise scrutiny of donations originating from foreign powers.

Our electoral system is vulnerable to foreign influence.

You can judge just how extensive the level of Tory misinformation has been in this election from this forensic analysis of the claims they have been making in Axminster.

Two of the authors are well qualified to lift the lid on this misinformation: Paul Hayward, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder Economy and Assets; and Sarah Jackson, Portfolio Holder Democracy, Transparency and Communications.

Interestingly, they have teamed up with Simon Smith to provide a genuine like-minded Independent Ticket for Axminster.

Tim Jones who has had so many fingers in so many pies (Chair of business councils, Local Enterprise Partnership etc)  for ?20+ years takes no responsibility for the situation:

Tim Jones www.northdevongazette.co.uk

There has been significant press coverage regarding the current state of our hospitality, leisure and tourist sector. This is a crucial part of the local economy. Across Devon, Tourism is around 10% of the total economic activity (Cornwall around 20%).

For Northern Devon, however, this percentage goes up to between 25-27%. Some alarming statistics have emerged over the post Brexit and Covid period.

The estimate is that around 25% of the operators in this market have disappeared. This shrinkage is largely at the end of the market comprising boarding houses and guest houses. Regionally there have also been some major casualties at the top end of the hotel market. Fortunately, this experience has not been in Northern Devon. A look ahead is even more concerning. According to UK Hospitality, around 32% of establishments are at risk of closure in the next 12 months.

The reasons for this have been covered by our media outlets for the last three years. Covid clearly was a huge shock to the system. Just when we thought we were recovering from this, a wave of new crisis emerged. The Ukraine situation has dramatically effected energy costs, which in many cases have risen to levels five times higher than previously.

Many tourist outlets think they are now working for the energy companies. The effects of global unrest unsettled financial markets. Inflation took off like a rocket. Many tourist outlets are now experiencing dramatic increases in the cost of debt.. Previously loans were taken out at interest rates of around 1.6-2%. Many of these were fixed for two years. Renewal costs are now likely to be between 4.5-5% interest rates. This means an increase in monthly repayments x 3. The sector is still experiencing food inflation costs which are the highest they have been for 45 years.

The difficulties of securing staff have also been a major factor. UK Hospitality lost around 200,000 overseas workers as a result of Brexit. It is perhaps of no surprise to any of us that the sector now has a national shortage of around 170,000 workers. For owners and managers of premises this means cutting capacity or reducing opening hours.

Despite the fact that this problem is well known, it is considered unlikely that it will improve before 2025. Even the impact of rail strikes has now been costed and is estimated to have reduced this sectors turnover by around £1 billion.

It would be fair to say that the government instantly recognised the problems all of these issues would cause. They stepped in quickly and helpfully. Energy bills were subsidised, there was a short term reduction of VAT rates. Business rates were subsidised. Much red tape and bureaucracy was removed. Who remembers the Eat Out to Help Out Allowance?

Undoubtedly this assisted many businesses who would not have survived otherwise. Effectively now, however, all of this support has ceased.

This picture is horribly depressing. We need also to recognise that healthy hospitality equals healthy retailing. Many of our High Streets thrive as a result of popular tourist seasons. For every full time job within the sector, there are around a further 50% of indirect jobs supported.

These stark facts quite simply mean that every possible effort should be made to assist these businesses to survive and thrive. All our Local Authority colleagues are more than aware of this and doing everything they can to help. We should not forget that the owners and managers of these businesses are a resilient bunch. Many are family businesses, some going back four to five generations. They will fight to survive and keep reinventing themselves to be attractive to the new customers within this market. We are now moving into the beginning of the tourist season. Easter was not a disaster.

The weather has not helped but is improving. The famous ‘green shoots’ are definitely now visible. What we must not do, as we seek to build the capacity to much nearer to 365 days a year, is to compromise in any way on the quality of the offering. This is not just a task for tourist businesses but for all of us to ensure that the best possible welcome and respect is given to Visitors. This will encourage them to return.

This also means going that extra mile to ensure that the internationally recognised attractiveness of Northern Devon and its environment is maintained and enhanced.

Written by Tim Jones, Chairman of the North Devon Biosphere Foundation

YOUNG people from rural and coastal areas face being trapped in ‘social mobility cold spots’, leaving UK companies without a truly diverse workforce.

Ethan Singh www.thesun.co.uk 

A report has found children growing up in rural and coastal regions are half as likely to go to university, and twice as likely to give up pursuing aspirational careers, as those in city and suburban areas.

This is due to a damaging combination of low parental incomes, lack of work experience placements and the absence of professional networks.

ONS figures show around 2.2 million young people live in country and seaside areas, which are often blighted by high unemployment and few major employers.

As a result – and despite the current focus on levelling up British inner cities – inequality of opportunity is considerably worse in rural areas.

The study from social mobility charities The Talent Tap and The Aldridge Foundation polled 1,000 18–25-year-olds and found 19 per cent of rural youngsters apply for undergraduate degrees –compared to 39 per cent from urban areas.

At postgraduate level the gap widens even further, with 11 per cent of students coming from inner cities compared to just two per cent from the countryside.

Overall, 51 per cent of rural youngsters confess high costs and fears around moving to cities stopped them even applying for university.

A further 56 per cent have changed their personal career ambitions to reflect what is available locally – with a third claiming there are ‘few or no’ opportunities to follow their career goals in their hometown.

Naomi Ambrose, CEO of The Talent Tap, said: “A third of firms say relevant work experience is a factor in who they hire, so missing out has a huge impact on young people.

“If companies really believe in diversity and equality, much more needs to be done to target young people from the far-flung rural and coastal areas into high quality employment.

“If we don’t support these teens with relevant work experience and networking, there is a danger of them becoming the Forgotten Generation with life chances far behind their city and suburban peers.”

The report, carried out via OnePoll, also surveyed 1,000 UK business leaders, and discovered around half of firms believe they are supporting social mobility.

But under a third of large companies and only one in 20 SMEs offer work experience to youngsters outside their local area.

On top of this, less than a third of all firms reimburse travel costs or offer pay for work experience and internships.

Only one in three pay for accommodation costs, again disadvantaging young people who live far from London and other major cities.

While some firms have attempted to bridge the gap by offering virtual work experience, rural teens were nine times more likely to want in-person work experience in order to build their network of contacts.

As a result, the study shows a quarter (23 per cent) of rural and coastal young people would not apply for potentially life-changing work experience in a city as they are unable to finance it.

Shona Nichols, CEO of The Aldridge Foundation, said: “Talent is distributed evenly but opportunity is not.

“Greater representation of young people from diverse backgrounds in business is a win-win situation: both helping firms ensure their services and products are relevant to their target customers and fuelling social mobility in the country’s cold spots.

“It’s time for schools, colleges, business and the government to work together to prioritise social mobility and equalise the opportunities for young people from deprived and underserved communities across the UK.”

We now have a single list of all candidate personal statements, where submitted

Philippa Davies www.midweekherald.co.uk 

East Devon goes to the polls, along with the rest of the country, on Thursday, May 4, with all the seats on the district council up for grabs.

Here are the candidates standing for election in the Honiton, Axminster and Seaton area, with the details they have supplied to us. 

Axminster (three seats)

Conservatives: Ian Hall, Steve Holt and David Willey:

“Ian Hall is a lifelong Axminster resident, current chair of Devon County Council and an East Devon District Councillor for Axminster. He is dedicated to improving the infrastructure of the town, education facilities and employment opportunities in Axminster.

Steve has the health and well-being of people at the heart of the work he does within his various charity roles and as a Town Councillor. He is passionate about the improvements needed to rejuvenate a ‘shop local’ town centre and make Axminster an even better place to live, work and socialise in.

David moved to this area to give his growing family a secure life in wonderful East Devon, bringing with him very significant expertise in setting up and working with youth groups. Ian, Steve and David offer a wealth of experience to deliver the things people in Axminster have told them they want for the town.

At the last elections, the Conservatives lost their majority. The first action of the new alliance council was to stop any debate on a relief road for Axminster. Four years later we are no further on; there is still no discussion about poor air quality or safety issues due to congestion, or a wider infrastructure review to unblock our choking town centre.

Ian, Steve and David’s overwhelming priority are the needs of everyone in Axminster. They agree that “we need to ensure the best outcomes for everyone, through the full cycle of life, and to help improve the health and prosperity of everyone who lives here”.

Independent: Paul Hayward

“I am standing for election as an independent candidate for Axminster. Many of you will know me from my work as the Clerk to Axminster Town Council but you may have also met me as a handyman, a DJ, a kid’s entertainer, a defibrillator warden, or as a co-founder of the Christmas Lunch event at the Guildhall. Axminster is my home, and I would be honoured to represent you at EDDC, with my independent colleagues, Sarah and Simon, for the next four years. Serving you with integrity, honesty and accountability. No nonsense, just straight talking and getting things done.”

Independent: Sarah Jackson

“Since my election, I’ve tirelessly advocated for those needing help and have delivered for our community as a whole. I ensured the transfer of Jubilee Field into public ownership. I also secured significant funding for Axminster Skatepark and found a new, collaborative way to deliver it. I’ve protected our environment, promoted biodiversity, and opposed inappropriate housing development without proper infrastructure.

“Locally elected representatives should answer to the public, not their political party. My independent colleagues, Paul and Simon, agree.

“Axminster has a great future, but it needs your help. Vote Independent to unlock its potential without losing its unique charm.”

Independent: Simon Smith

“I’m thrilled to be running for the East Devon District Council elections as an independent candidate. As a community manager in Axminster, I’ve seen the challenges our town faces. That’s why I want to make sure everyone has access to the services they need. Along with Paul and Sarah, we have a vision for a brighter future in Axminster. We want to reduce congestion, protect our town’s assets, and bring back its vitality. So please vote for us on May 4th! We’ve been listening to you, and we’re ready to work hard to make Axminster a better place to live.”

Liberal Democrats: Gillian Jordan 

“I have lived in Axminster for 13 years. I have extensive experience in education – as a primary school teacher, an adviser and a school governor. I am currently a member of the Axminster Medical Practice Patient Participation Group, which aims to improve links between the Community and the Medical Practice.

My priorities for Axminster:

Ending the regular dumping of sewage into the Rivers Axe and Yarty;

Supporting local groups working to reduce single use plastic;

More services at Axminster hospital;

Affordable homes for local people;

Reducing heavy traffic through the town centre;

More investment and innovation to reduce the number of empty shops in Axminster;

Consulting with the County Council to address the issues of speeding and potholes; 

Acting as a voice for children with Special Educational Needs and their parents.

Labour: Jeremy Walden

“I have lived in Axminster for 40 years. With my family I ran a pub and restaurant and latterly a sandwich making and distribution business.  I retired last year. I am an Axminster Town Councillor,  Governor at Axe Valley Academy and Chair of Trustees arc a local mental health charity.

“If elected I will generally support the Independent Alliance, but be separate from it as I feel they have not got it totally right.

“EDDC  is not right in developing its new local plan by not coordinating new housing with infrastructure. In this it is not challenging its officers who should act according to councillors’ policy decisions, not the other way round.

“EDDC has also not acted in a robust enough way to SWW’s blatant treatment of excessive sewage outflows. This must end.”

Beer and Branscombe (one seat)

Liberal Democrats: Peter Burrows

“I have lived in Seaton for 27 years with my family, children and grandkids. In that time l have served on the District and the Town Council. I have been an East Devon District Councillor for 13 years and have stood for election as County Councillor, in Beer & Branscombe, following the wonderful Margaret Rogers. I served on the Planning committee fighting for the locals against excessive development. I very much understand the effect of second homes has on the community and would do my utmost to stop the spread as it is detrimental to the local economy especially during the quieter months. Council tax should be tripled! It is also forcing locals to find places elsewhere which is unacceptable.

I am a member of Greenpeace and Surfers Against Sewage and I am the lead on the Plastic Free Seaton group which organizes Beach & Town cleans and encourages people to be aware of their environment.”

Conservatives: Maria Hall – no details supplied 

 Independent John Heath 

“I am contesting the Beer and Branscombe seat on EDDC as an Independent. I am local and have lived in Beer for 13-years having married a ‘Beer’ girl.

My professional career has been as a front-line child protection social worker and manager, and I have been an inspector of social services. I am newly retired so can devote my full attention to the needs of my local area.

I will listen to and act on your concerns ensuring your views are represented. I simply want what is best for our community. I am currently a councillor with Beer Parish Council and will use my skills and experience to serve the district.”

Broadclyst (three seats)

Conservatives: Keith Bickers – no details supplied

Conservatives: Colin Trudgeon – no details supplied

Liberal Democrats: Sarah Chamberlain 

“I am a mother of two, and an adopter of orphaned animals. I am a social housing surveyor and I care deeply about the quality of our housing.

I believe we should build communities with properly planned infrastructure at the outset of any housing project.

Everyone should have access to green spaces. I have been a district councillor since 2019 and it would be an honour to be re-elected in May.”

Independent: Jane Chanot 

“As a Farringdon Parish Councillor and experienced family lawyer, I regularly help people on a professional and personal basis. I speak at EDDC meetings, raising concerns and championing the causes that affect local residents. I encourage community involvement in strategic planning. I seek to protect our agricultural land and green spaces, wish to see families able to remain living within their communities and place emphasis on supporting inclusivity, equality and diversity for residents and visitors to our beautiful district. I am a truly independent candidate, without political bias or constraint, who will be a voice for East Devon residents.”

Green Party: Paula Fernley

“If elected I would like to:

Continue to work hard for the new developments in Broadclyst to get the promised infrastructure delivered.

Support the quest for local school places at local schools.

Continue to support residents in the battle with the district heat network to be treated better and to improve the service.

Support a balanced housing policy that delivers the type of homes we need in the right places.

Champion our wild places and help to green up the new developments.

Keep pressure on SWW to clean up our rivers.

Campaign for safer walking and cycling routes in the area.

Campaign for safer roads in residential areas.

Support Council services, especially housing and food banks.”

Liberal Democrats: Katie Jones

“I have lived in Broadclyst for 20 years and I’m passionate about our community.

I have been singing with the clients of  Clyst Caring since lockdown. I now also work with a charity which brings musical therapy to all parts and areas of our district. Like so many of my new colleagues in the Libdems I feel a strong sense of responsibility to all parts of our community and the important part every generation plays in our lives. It’s part of the reason I also started Broadclyst Theatre Group and have devised and run the Youth Theatre Group.

I  would be honoured to be elected to represent this Ward and if you place your trust in me I will work hard for Broadclyst.”

 Liberal Democrats: Eleanor Rylance

“I’ve been honoured to be a councillor for the last 17 years, both at parish and district levels. I’m also very actively involved in Broadclyst community life- as Chair of the twinning association, organiser of a monthly supper club and allotment committee member.

My proudest moments have involved helping people in their greatest hour of need. I was also delighted in 2021 to propose that East Devon leave the out-of-control Greater Exeter Strategic Plan, which would have brought us lots more houses with inadequate infrastructure.

I will always use my assertiveness and voice to defend the individual against institutional might.”

Clyst Valley (one seat)

Liberal Democrats: Adrian Lock

“Adrian is a strong believer in democracy and voter choice, a research scientist and muscian.” 

Conservative: Will French – no details supplied

Independent: Mike Howe – no details supplied

Coly Valley (two seats)

Liberal Democrats: Paul Arnott 

“I have lived in Colyton for more than 20 years, serving as a parish councillor since 2007 and as your district councillor for four years. In 2020 I was asked to lead a progressive alliance of Lib Dems, Independents and Greens at EDDC to overhaul the district Council. I am still working hard to deliver more affordable and social housing to address the homes crisis while rejecting inappropriate policy. I will continue supporting business and the tourist sector to promote our unique character.”

Conservatives: Helen Parr and John Tristram

Helen Parr has represented Coly Valley ward on East Devon District Council since 2003. She says: “We must keep our rural communities sustainable, support our businesses and shops, making sure there are homes and work spaces for young people, protecting the environment and controlling inappropriate development.”

John Tristram is Chairman of Offwell Parish Council, a volunteer for Offwell Woodlands and the Parish Paths Co-ordinator. John says: “Our villages must be safe places to walk around and I will press for safe A35 access to bus services.”

He is active in the community and will continue to work hard to conserve our beautiful environment and push to increase Recycling Residents are Helen and John’s priority. “We will support projects which deliver homes our young local families can afford, in the right place, and small scale employment units for local businesses”.

Helen and John support affordable homes, to match local needs. “We need more affordable homes for young local people to buy and rent. They are the future and we must help them to stay here and keep our communities sustainable.

We will fight to keep the vital public toilets in Dolphin Street, Colyton which are essential services. We will also continue to work to find solutions to parking issues and problems along the A35 and A3052.”

Cranbrook (three seats)

Independent: Kevin Blakey

“Kevin was born and educated in Exeter and has enjoyed a career in various UK locations that has taken in commerce, finance and the food industry, with the last seven years in a photoelectronics business in Exeter. Retirement, from work at least, beckons next year.

Kevin moved to Cranbrook in 2012 and more than 10 years later has no intention of moving from a town that has so much going for it. He is seeking re-election so he can continue to push for the social and economic development of Cranbrook in the coming years, particularly the town centre and a wider range of sports facilities.”

Independent: Kim Bloxham

“Kim has lived in Cranbrook since 2013 and served as a member of Cranbrook Town Council since it was formed in 2015.  Kim was elected to the District Council in 2019 when the Cranbrook ward was created.  As a totally independent Councillor, Kim has played a key part in negotiations for delivery of the town centre.  Kim has forged working relations with all partners involved in Cranbrook’s delivery and looks forward to continuing in that role.  Kim has helped many residents with a range of concerns.  She has a reputation in the town for getting things done!”

Independent: Sam Hawkins

“Sam has lived in Cranbrook since 2016, having moved from Exeter. He is a chartered accountant who joined the Town Council in 2017 and is proud to have been elected to the District Council in 2019. Sam has chaired the LED Monitoring Forum identifying the lack of a current leisure strategy at the District and therefore the absence of a formal strategy for Cranbrook. The Forum developed a new strategy which now incorporates plans for a leisure centre and swimming pool in Cranbrook. Sam wants to continue as an independent councillor to move forward leisure plans for the town as well the further development of the upcoming town centre to create local jobs and activities.”

Liberal Democrats: Rebecca Lipscombe

“Rebecca is a well known resident of Cranbrook.  She is standing as the Liberal Democrat candidate in the East Devon District Council elections on 4th May.”

Conservatives: Barry Rogers

“I chose to be a councillor in my new home town some two years after moving to Cranbrook in 2015, realising that without an active and involved town council, the community’s voice will not necessarily be heard in determining the town’s future.

I firmly believe in the rights of the individual. However, this freedom has to earnt by respecting others in turn: that without the rule of law, without some moral envelope, action can impact and damage the quality of life of your neighbours, and the environment which we choose to occupy.

We can all influence and help create the best possible urban schemes, housing, transport, education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. I believe in ‘compassionate conservatism’ – in managing our urban and industrial landscape – and our rural environment – for the benefit of all who share the belief that we can, together, make this glorious part of Devon all that we aspire to.”

Conservatives: Alexandra Croft ​- no details supplied 

Heritage Party: Lisa Goudie ​​- no details supplied 

Independent: Vincent Wilton

“I’m standing to represent the residents of Cranbrook, to champion the town whilst making local & district council processes more understandable and accessible to the whole community. The unique opportunity Cranbrook has by being a brand new town means that it’s imperative there is strong representation that understands the heartbeat of the town. Policy at Council needs to be shaped around the community being at the centre of future development. I’m bringing my IT background & know how to aid engagement with residents so Cranbrook can be a great place for everyone.” 

Dunkeswell & Otterhead (two seats)

Conservatives: Colin Brown, Ian Morgan 

“Colin Brown and Ian Morgan have are very experienced councillors, representing the interests of their local communities. Colin is a member of East Devon District Council, with Ian the current Chairman of Stockland Parish Council. This election gives them the opportunity to come together as one team, providing a huge wealth of experience, working on behalf of all local residents.

Colin says: “We will help to enhance the local Blackdown Hills economy by supporting businesses that offer a variety of services and encourage new appropriately sized ones”, with Ian adding: “We will work to provide the right conditions for new businesses, create more jobs, ensuring more money is spent in the local economy, helping lower our carbon footprints.”

“Colin and Ian will campaign for more affordable housing for local people, recognising that many people struggle to live in the communities they grew up in.

More affordable properties will help to overcome this problem, helping our communities to remain vibrant and sustainable.

Lack of superfast broadband in some parts of the Dunkeswell & Otterhead ward remains a big problem and both Colin and Ian agree that “Broadband is as important as water and electricity. Some places are at an economic, educational and social disadvantage due to this. We will campaign to end this unacceptable situation.” 

Independent: Gary Burford – no details supplied 

Liberal Democrats: Yehudi Levine 

“I have lived in Smeatharpe for 15 years after retiring as a physics professor. I have been active in community life as Chair of Governors of Churchstanton Primary School, a volunteer at the Community Shop and fundraiser for the refurbishment of Smeatharpe Village Hall. I currently coordinate the Community Speed Watch and am trustee of the allotments.

I will work to:

protect our environment especially in matters of pumping raw sewage into our rivers

make local roads safer for pedestrians,

improve public transport links,

provide more affordable homes

secure our local GP services.

I believe the community needs a strong local voice and I will keep you up to date on local issues.”

Labour and Co-operative Party: Ollie Tucker 

I’m Ollie and I’m proud to be standing once again for Labour and Co-op parties. I work for a local charity as well as spending time in London working for others. I believe in the value of local jobs, facilities and community resources – and the only realistic vehicle to make that happen at both the local and national level is the Labour and Cooperative party. If elected, I will use my experience as a town councillor and campaigner to champion Dunkerswell and Otterhead at every opportunity – both at the local level and by lobbying upward to our MP and Parliament. This being particularly important as the need to champion our rural wards is growing in our country. If you want to here more about our campaign please contact devonlabour@gmail.com

Exe Valley (one seat)

Conservatives: Kevin Wraight – no details supplied

Liberal Democrats: Jamie Kemp

“I moved to Devon over 15 years ago and began my teaching career at a mainstream secondary school before taking up a post at the Deaf Academy (then in Exeter) and later specialising in teaching children with special educational needs.

In 2015 I took the decision to leave teaching and become a carer for my deaf son. I am now back at work having recently qualified as an emergency care assistant with the South West Ambulance Service.  With four young children growing up in the Exe Valley our lives are energetic.

I love living in Devon and am committed to serving the wider local community. Previously a firefighter, I have been a member of Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team, as well as a Community First Responder for the South-West Ambulance Service

I have been the Liberal Democrat District Councillor for Exe Valley since 2020.  On the District Council I have served on a number on committees to represent the needs of residents in the Exe Valley.”

Feniton (one seat)

Conservatives: Alasdair Bruce

“Dr Alasdair Bruce is a leading environmental geologist, previously working for the BBC and government departments. He is passionate about our rural areas and works with the farming community and local groups to protect it.

Significant proposals announced by the government will hopefully ensure Communities gain the maximum influence, with changes to housing policy, being at the heart of deciding how many homes will be built and where.

Water pollution affecting our rivers and coastal inshore waters is seldom out of the news these days. Antiquated systems to deal with our sewage and lack of investment by our water companies has led to a wholly unacceptable level of discharge to our waterways. I pledge to increase pressure to bring about much needed improvements.”

Green Party: Jane Collins

“I am delighted to be standing as your Green party candidate for Feniton ward.

My work with children who have difficulty accessing mainstream education allows me insight into the challenges many face when trying to access support.   I live less than a mile from the boundary of the ward and I understand the particular challenges that this beautiful yet busy part of the world faces.

Environmental issues touch us all, whether it’s the high cost of energy, pollution in our rivers and on our beaches or simply wishing to see our amazing countryside protected, we want a fairer greener country that works for us all.”

Honiton St Michael’s (two seats)

Conservatives: Jenny Brown, Paul Carter, Brice Cornelius

“Jenny Brown is a Town Councillor and committed to community work, including help reduce social isolation by running the popular Beehive Arts and Community centre café and helping those she comes in to contact with. Jenny previously sat on EDDC, and was the lead Councillor for Tourism and successfully campaigned for the reopening of Honiton Police Station.

Paul Carter works for the internationally famous Donkey Sanctuary, who have offices in Honiton High Street; in what spare time he has Paul breeds and trains horses. He was also previously a member of EDDC and has many years of experience in a number of Councillor roles to call on.

Brice Cornelius moved to Honiton 40 years ago and is well known locally. He is a highly experienced professional, working as a Senior Project Manager in the construction industry and would bring a wide range of skills to EDDC, if elected.

All three are strong advocates for the farming community, buying locally produced food whenever possible, helping reduce carbon miles and supporting local High Street businesses from food shops to hospitality venues and other services, including people’s health and wellbeing, where they will work for improvements to local health services and build more high quality affordable homes for local people.

Regenerating the High Street is a key priority for all of them, to keep Honiton sustainable and vibrant. We will all make every effort we can to regenerate Honiton High Street by innovative working, attracting more funding and new business, making Honiton an even better place to live, work shop and socialise.”

Independent: Joanne Fotheringham

“Originally from London, I have lived and worked in central Honiton for

five years.

I am a business analyst, an Associate of the Chartered Institute of

Bankers and gained a History degree as a mature student.

I am 100 per cent independent and have never been a member of any political party.

Government policies continues to cause huge problems across the country

with energy bills and food prices soaring and some children in Honiton

going to school hungry.

I will do all I can to support residents during the cost of living

crisis including supporting local community organisations such as Foodsave.”

Independent: Nicholas Ingham

“I am an IT consultant who has lived in Honiton for about five years.

During the election campaign I have been running the local “Ready To

Vote” campaign trying to make sure as many people as possible in Honiton

St Michaels ward are aware of the new Voter ID requirements.

After the election I will campaign for the Government to change the law

to allow East Devon District Council to publish the numbers of those

deprived of their right to vote by the new legislation.

If elected, I will remain independent and will put Honiton’s interests

first.”

Labour: Violet Bonetta

“I am Honiton born and raised and attended both primary and secondary schools here. I’m invested in community work in Honiton, through both volunteering and work.

Through my role at Honiton Foodsave, I have helped to give away tens of thousands of items of food to our local community and keeping the operation running by making and upkeeping their website. I also worked as the Member Pioneer at a local supermarket, supporting local community causes and charitable events.

Locally, we need a more diverse range of councillors who know people’s priorities. I will work with the community, continuing Labour’s legacy in the town of improving the lives of working people in Honiton and beyond. With the cost of living only rising, something needs to be done, and I commit to doing all I can to continue with Labour’s achievements on EDDC and to support you as your local Councillor.”

The Liberal Party: Roy Collins

“Roy Collins was born at Hale Farm, Honiton. He is married to Lucy (née Tratt) and has one son Fred, who is married to Kim. They have two girls. 

Roy’s family have farmed Hale Farm since 1849 through six generations. 

Honiton needs councillors who would vote against large scale expansion of the town. 

Improved services for older people and people with disabilities. 

High street pavements and roads in poor condition. Drains block water flowing over roads causing pot holes. 

Hundreds more car parking spaces need toilets to be kept open, not closed.

Investment in railway and bus services to reduce traffic on our roads. 

Urgent need for more sports pitches.”

Honiton St Paul’s (two seats)

Independent: Tony McCollum – no details supplied 

Conservatives: John O’Leary and Andrew Pearsall

John O’Leary is very well known to many people in Honiton, working on the Deli counter at Complete Meats, in the middle of the High Street. John was previously a popular and hardworking EDDC Councillor representing Honiton St Pauls, where he is seeking electors support on May 4th.

Andrew Pearsall is a local builder, who is also a member of Honiton Town Council and recognises the challenges facing all of us, not least ensuring Ultrafast Broadband is available all over Honiton, critical for businesses to operate effectively, as well as attracting new ones who cannot operate without it, to be competitive.

Andrew and John are strong advocates for the farming community, buying locally produced food whenever possible, helping reduce carbon miles and supporting local High Street businesses from food shops to hospitality venues and other services, including people’s health and wellbeing, where they will work for improvements to local health services and build more high quality affordable homes for local people.

Regenerating the High Street is a key priority for all of them, to keep Honiton sustainable and vibrant. We will all make every effort we can to regenerate Honiton High Street by innovative working, attracting more funding and new business, making Honiton an even better place to live, work shop and socialise.

John Taylor – no details supplied 

Newbridges (one seat)

Conservatives: Iain Chubb

Iain Chubb is very well known locally and has represented Newbridges since 2007, where he is also the County Councillor.

He says: “We must keep our rural communities sustainable. I support local businesses at every opportunity, promoting limited numbers of new, affordable homes for local people, essential for balanced communities.”

Iain supports genuinely affordable and social housing to match local needs in check. Iain says “I will support small scale development in our villages so that young people can live and raise Families, critical to the long term viability of our schools, community cohesion and our rural economy.”

Labour and Co-operative Party: Clara Douglas

“I’m sure that my grandfather, who was born and lived happily in Kilmington for 93 years, would be so proud of me. I am the third generation of my family to have attended Kilmington primary school and am the first in my family to go to university. I am about to complete my law degree at the University of Cambridge and for the last few years I have worked for local charities specialising in widening access to university and creating job opportunities for local young people. My work and experience growing up here has allowed me to appreciate our wonderful community and the potential within it. However, I believe it is time that you are represented by someone who will fight for us to flourish. I am committed to increasing local resources and supporting local jobs and believe a change in local representation is necessary to drive this.”

Liberal Democrats: Veronica Dower 

Veronica Dower has lived in the council ward for the last 20 years and understands the issues affecting the local community. She wants to act as a voice for local people, raising concerns about your needs and making a positive difference. Her top priorities are the building of affordable, greener homes for local people, improving local transport links and working to ensure that our planning policy protects the beautiful natural environment of East Devon. Veronica will do everything she can to support the Liberal Democrats in their work to stop the dumping of raw sewage into our rivers and sea.

Seaton (three seats)

Labour and Co-operative Party: Honey Barlow Marshall 

“I’m Honey and I’m standing to be your Labour and Co Operative councillor on May 4th. Having been active with the Labour Party since I was 14, I have gained a wide range of knowledge about our local area and the needs and issues of local people. I will push for a council that properly represents us. In Seaton particularly, we need to see more progress in our facilities for young people and funding be allocated to this specifically. This will not only help tackle anti-social behaviour but also improve the futures of our young people. Having grown up in the area and attended local schools, I understand the problems that our young people face and will ensure that their voices are heard. Seeing the success of a Labour council in Liverpool, whilst at university, I know that a Labour and Co operative council is what our local area needs. I will use my campaigning experience and passion in our community to ensure that Seaton can be properly spoken for.”

Conservatives: Del Haggerty, Marcus Hartnell 

“Marcus and Del work to improve day to day life for everyone in Seaton. We have helped to deliver beach matting to improve accessibility for the less able, organised events that bring our community together such as the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee party at Cliff Field. Most importantly we have raised the profile of Seaton by pushing the tourism and ‘coach friendly’ agendas.

Residents have told us that more needs to be done to keep our lovely town looking at its best, so we want East Devon District Council and Seaton Town Council to work closely together, making our floral displays bigger and brighter, our bus shelters clean and pristine, and our streets, parks and gardens free of litter.

We will protect public toilets and explore innovative ways to get best value and better provision from them, so your council tax is spent wisely.

More affordable homes are needed for local people, as well as improving the quality of District Council homes. This must be achieved with sensitivity, preserving our stunning natural environment and securing improvements to local infrastructure.

We will lobby for funding from government to invest in our seafront and provide local employment opportunities. We will ensure Seaton’s voice is heard, which is why we think we are the best team to deliver a better future for Seaton.”

Liberal Democrats: Steve Hunt

“I have been a District Councillor in East Hampshire and was the leader of the opposition. The Lib Dem group I led managed to get a Climate Emergency recognised locally and Cost-of living help for residents through the council unanimously. Putting local residents and our planet first are Steve’s top priorities: protecting and expanding the Seaton wetlands, increasing public transport between Seaton and Axminster, and ensuring Seaton gets a fair share of EDDC’s plans.”

Independent: Dan Ledger

“I chose to be an independent as I believed national politics has no place at a local level. Every issue should be taken on its own merit, prioritising what is best for the area. Simply put, place should always come before any political party and that is exactly what I intend to continue to do for Seaton.

It’s easy for all to see the amazing qualities Seaton has to offer. Our only issue is that we lack vital investment in certain areas to take the town to that next level. This is what I want to address if re-elected.”

Tale Vale (one seat)

Liberal Democrats: Richard Jefferies

“I have lived in East Devon for 15 years and know and understand the issues affecting our communities. I am a part-time builder, specialising in sustainable building techniques. I combine this with being a stay-at-home dad, supporting my wife, a secondary school deputy headteacher, and our 4-year-old daughter.

I am campaigning

for honesty, integrity and accountability in politics

to protect our local environment

for more affordable homes locally

to prevent our countryside from becoming covered by large scale solar farms – small scale community projects are more appropriate

for better public transport locally so people can access vital local services and to reduce social isolation.”

Conservatives: Philip Skinner

“I am standing for re-election to give the residents of Tale Vale a strong voice at East Devon District Council. I have been absolutely delighted with the response I have received from local people to my positive campaign. For me, this election is not about what I am against but about what I am for and what I want to achieve.

Such as: delivering affordable homes for local people; running an efficient Council and delivering  services; protecting the landscape and environment of our rRural communities. EDDC needs Councillors with vision, ambition and imagination to help shape East Devon.

Councillors who will always have the best interests of their ward and East Devon at heart.”

Trinity (one seat)

Conservatives: Andy Turner

“Andy Turner, the fourth generation of his family to live in Uplyme Parish sitting on Uplyme Parish Council for 17 years, and is deeply in a number of important community roles.

He will serve everyone in Trinity Ward with the same enthusiasm in the three parishes putting an emphasis on the provision of ‘real’ affordable housing for local people.

I will maintain and build new relationships to ensure the voice of Trinity is well represented and heard at all levels of Local and National Government. Together we will engage with utility companies across a wide range of issues, from roads and drains, to reducing the impacts of the unexpected, such as the cost of living crisis and weather emergencies.”

Liberal Democrats: Susan Westerman – no details supplied

Whimple and Rockbeare (one seat)

Conservatives: Richard Lawrence

“I have been your East Devon District Councillor for two years and I will be seeking re-election on the 4th May.

In a recent survey it was made clear by residents that by far the greatest concern is the loss of natural green space due to the overdevelopment and industrialisation of our green and pleasant land.

Our villages and surrounding areas are going to remain under considerable threat for some time to come, and I feel as a Member of both the Planning and Strategic Planning Committees I have the knowledge and understanding to ensure the wishes of local residents are at the forefront of any development decisions.

Being a District Councillor is not about politics, rather doing the best for the people you represent and I hope that on the 4th May you will allow me to use the experience I have gained to continue to work hard for the benefit of the Residents of Whimple, Rockbeare and Marsh Green.”

Liberal Democrats: Olive Todd

I’ve lived here in Whimple for nearly fifteen years. I grew up here, went to school here, and got my first job here. It’s my home – and I want to see the best for it, for my neighbours, for the community.

My background, professionally and in the academic world, is in sustainable development – planning policy, climate change and the environment, and much more besides: the challenges of today that we need to work through for a better, brighter future tomorrow.

Getting to grips with how Whimple & Rockbeare, and more broadly East Devon, move into that future is absolutely core to my motivation to run for East Devon District Council – as well as my belief in the fundamental values of democracy, and the importance of transparency and accountability in the elected representatives that act on our behalf. 

I believe I have the expertise and commitment to take these challenges head-on on your behalf.

Yarty (1 seat)

Liberal Democrats: Duncan Mackinder

“I live near Membury and know and understand the issues affecting our community.

I am an IT Consultant, with a passion for the environment; this stems from training as a Marine Zoologist and working for the UN’s World Conservation Monitoring Centre. With my wife Barbara, I am committed to living as sustainably as possible, having incorporated many energy saving features into our home renovation.

I am campaigning:

• for environmental impact to become a major component of planning decisions in East Devon.

• to ensure Conservative run Devon County Council properly maintains our roads and fixes potholes.

• for better internet connections and faster broadband to allow people living in rural areas to easily take part in modern life.”

Conservatives: Richard Norman

“I am motivated and organised, having worked in the engineering industry for 30 years in IT Programme and Project management.

My clear aim is to work with people in Yarty to promote ways of us improving the wellbeing and prosperity of all people who live here.

I applaud Planning Policy proposals recently announced by government will ensure communities gain the maximum influence, to benefit from important changes to planning policy housing policy, being at the heart of deciding how many homes will be built and where.

I am committed to promoting wider alternative energy use, but not at the expense of our countryside. I support new ways of generating green energy, including use of ground source heat pumps, where viable.”

Green Party: Duncan Staddon

“I’m excited to be standing for a party that genuinely wants to make a difference. I’ve worked closely with a number of charities over the years and am aware of how tough it is for families at the moment. If elected, I’d do all I can to help families that are struggling. As a dad I also believe it’s crucial we do all we can to protect our environment for future generations and work towards a fairer more equal society.”

Spreading misinformation and downright lies about what they term the “Coalition of Chaos”.

Currently, we have in East Devon an almost proportional representation council with those who are prepared to work together doing so, and those who put politics first (Tories and pseudo-Independent Tories) refusing to do what is best for the district. 

The Tories, and the minority but powerful vested interests they represent, hate it.

The latest Tory leaflet shows just how much.

Denise Bickley tears it apart. – Owl

More Lies – Denise Bickley – Independent

Denise Bickley is Assistant Portfolio Holder Climate Action and Emergency Response and represents Sidmouth Town.

The two Conservative candidates in her ward: Sophie Richards and John Zarczynski are two of the “semi-detached” Tories Owl has already drawn attention to, illustrating how hypocritical their claims are

denisebickley.info

I’ve been looking into what I can do about lies in political leaflets and there doesn’t seem to be much, so no wonder the local tories are just printing whatever they like. I hope some people are asking them to back up what they are saying. It would have been great to be able to do that at hustings but unfortunately none of them agreed to do it and so it was cancelled. I did ask the VGS who were organising it to do it anyway so that we had a chance to be heard and answer questions publicly but unfortunately it was not to be.

So I will deal with the lies one at a time, and also ask you to read a similar story about another council (Saffron Walden) and the defamatory lies printed about candidates by their Tory propaganda machine – https://www.residents4u.org/2023/03/01/conservatives-caught-lying-in-election-leaflets-and-demands-for-chairman-to-step-down/

This is the back of all the latest East Devon tory leaflets…kindly provided by one of their Twitter pages which make fun reading. Unfortunately when Elon Musk took over I deleted my Twitter account and have no intention of signing up again but I do like to lurk…

Claim 1
A coalition of chaos – Independents, Liberal Democrats and Greens aren’t working for you.

Oh really? Who are we working for then? Are you saying we are in it for ourselves? In what way? We do work together, in a friendly coalition which does not ‘whip’, does not bully, listens, encourages and supports. None of us take bribes, have been found guilty of anything like bullying, fraud, sexual assault, indecent assault, rape… how is this a coalition of chaos?

My question – what are you trying to say with this statement? In what way is it chaos? And what is wrong with a healthy democratic coalition? Do we all really have to belong to the same party or have we moved on from this archaic view?

Claim 2:
A lack of leadership will result in the wrong homes, in the wrong places.

We have leadership. The democratic Alliance voted in Paul Arnott (was iEDA, now standing as LibDem) as our Leader, and Eileen Wragg (LibDem) as Deputy Leader, We have been led by Paul Arnott, Paul Hayward (Deputy Leader of the Council, and the cabinet, a mixture of IEDA, Lib Dems and Greens, who have worked tirelessly alongside officers in the last 3 years. As to the houses, which houses are they talking about? They have literally taken what we have said: “right houses in the right place”, blatantly stolen it and then accused us of something they’ve made up or been responsible for! Remember they were in charge for 45 years before we took control – when Cranbrook was agreed, when the Knowle was sold off, when Newton Poppleford’s estate were built with no space to turn around and no GP surgery etc. (www.sidmouthherald.co.uk/news/20446101.site-formerly-proposed-newton-poppleford-doctors-surgery-put-sale/)

What a bunch of hypocrites.

My question – which houses are we planning in the wrong places – that you didn’t organise and we have had to try to sort out (remember the Sidford Business Park fiasco – the reason why several of our councillors got involved in the council? And it still isn’t sorted out? Don’t let them blame us, please, let’s not rewrite history!)

Claim 3:
They’ve closed public toilets despite concerns from communities

This one is a classic. They must think the public are so stupid! We all realise that budgets are ridiculously tight, and councils are going bankrupt – eg Devon County Council (Conservative run) https://www.devon.gov.uk/news/grave-budget-warning-from-devon-county-council-leader/ and we need strong leadership to take brave decisions in most equitable way to save services.

This is taken from my answer to Simon Jupp MP in one of his ridiculous Facebook posts extolling the virtues of his wonderful candidates…

This is the report to Cabinet:
https://democracy.eastdevon.gov.uk/documents/s14331/Public%20toilets%20consultation.pdf

I really think your time should be being spent being a useful MP, in (unbelievably) the party ‘running’ this country, and work on securing adequate funding for local councils to maintain and protect services. Look at Conservative Devon County Council, who are failing in all areas – highways, health, social services, libraries, etc etc. Why is that? Ah, funding cuts from central government.

I find your comments during this election to be disingenuous, inflammatory, time-wasting and blatantly wrong. I hope voters agree.”

So – my questions to the tories – which toilets have actually been closed during the last 3 years (covid time aside?) Which, in the 10 years leading up to us being in charge, were invested in and improved? Ah, none. And did you or did you not pass a load off to to parish and town councils because you could no longer afford to keep them open? And was it actually your idea to try to partner up with businesses to encourage toilets to be kept in some form?

Claim 4:
Doubled the price of parking and increased your council tax

Wow I am getting RSI repeating the same fact – parking charges had not increased for 10 years, even despite VAT being added to off street parking.

Even the ‘leader’ of the tories on EDDC, the delightful Cllr Phillip Skinner, acknowledged that they should have increased charges at the February Full Council meeting. They were just not brave enough and were scared to make harder decisions. We have of course made it cheaper for residents to park – by introducing and marketing the permits for only £10/month to residents.

We should have faith that our seaside towns are beautiful and can withstand a long overdue price rise, for the tourists who wish to come here. It is normal in any town of beauty like ours that anyone would expect to pay. If you go out for a day, you factor in parking. When a restaurant’s rent, rates and cost of sales increases, of course prices increase. You wouldn’t expect them to absorb the cost. So why should the council when we need to provide many other services too and have lost app £50m of our funding in the last 10 years? And when the government promise to reimburse us for costs such as leisure revenue lost during covid, AND THEN RENEGE? Do we want to see cuts to essential services like waste management?

As to council tax increases, EDDC’s share has gone up 3.19% (£5 for Band D) see here – EDDC Councillors agree increase. Devon County Council – oh yes, Conservative run – has gone up by 4.99%. Please remember that EDDC collects council taxes for all levels of government and the police.

My question to the tories over this one – where is the magic money tree that you are growing? And why aren’t you using it for Devon County Council?

At the bottom of the flyer it says “Which will you vote for on Thursday 4th May?” and I hope your answer is “Whoever has the best chance of getting you lot out!”

Thanks for reading, and, if you do vote for me, thank you so much for your time and trust

D

East Devon goes to the polls, along with the rest of the country, on Thursday, May 4, with all the seats on the district council up for grabs. Here are the candidates standing for election in the Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton area, with the details they have supplied to us. 

Philippa Davies www.exmouthjournal.co.uk

Budleigh & Raleigh (three seats)

Conservative: Patsy Hayman

“A local woman who was raised at Stowford Farm, Colaton Raleigh and attended Drakes School. Past Vice Chair of East Budleigh Parish Council. Patsy believes that if she became a Councillor for East Devon District Council she would have greater influence to preserve the local environment, promote education, health and wellbeing and provide support for local businesses.”

Conservative: Henry Riddell

“A local man who grew up in Budleigh Salterton, attended Bicton College studying rural and farming issues and now manages popular South Farm produce shop. A keen sportsman and wishes to become a District Councillor so he can promote strongly affordable housing for young people as we as supporting local businesses, farming and the environment.”

Conservative: David Walsh

“Since moving to Devon 23 years ago, David has involved himself in local politics.  Previously a Project Manager for the NHS, and a salesman for an international tool company, he is now Chairman of Friends of Budleigh Library and sits on the committees of Budleigh Garden Club and Cancer Research Budleigh Salterton. Education, Environment, Transport & Local Business are areas which David is keen to address.”

Independent: Charlotte Fitzgerald

“Budleigh & Raleigh is home to a welcoming community and a thriving high street. To sustain it, more working families need to put down roots, but this faces challenges, including affordability of first homes; safe access for pedestrians and cyclists; and reliable bus services. My grandparents benefited from excellent health and care in East Devon throughout their lives. Now, both services are facing crippling cuts. We need to protect EDDC’s crucial preventative services. I will put greater pressure on South West Water to completely overhaul failing local wastewater systems, which are currently spilling sewage into the Otter and the sea.”

Independent: Melanie Martin

“I have lived in Otterton for over six years and it has been a privilege to serve as a Parish Councillor working on various community projects. To stand as an Independent for the Budleigh & Raleigh Ward is a great responsibility. My priorities are my community’s issues and these vary depending on who you talk to – the shortage of social housing and housing for low income earners, the increase in second home ownership, the rising cost of living putting pressure on families, speed limits, development encroaching on green spaces, threatening wildlife, businesses struggling in the winter. If elected, I will work hard to resolve these issues.”

Liberal Democrats: Catriona Cunningham

“I have lived in East Devon (both Colaton Raleigh and Budleigh Salterton) for 22 years, raising my children in this beautiful part of the country. It is crucial the East Devon countryside and coastline is safeguarded and maintained for our children, families and future generations, our environment is so important.

I am proud to have worked in the NHS for almost 40 years. During a tough three years our local NHS staff have done an amazing job, despite all the challenges. I believe passionately in good local services for local communities.

I have experience of working  collaboratively across public and voluntary  organisations.  If elected to EDDC I would bring those skills to the table.”

Liberal Democrats: Jed Falby

“Previously I served as an Independent at EDDC which was a lonely stance. Now a little older and a little wiser I ask for your vote as a Liberal Democrat. I shall be working with colleagues with similar views and values, especially on environmental issues, and to achieve a more democratic, stronger voice for all of our local needs.

I still work in TV as an Art Director but am also a Devon woodsman producing building quality timber. I think Brexit has proved to be our worst decision in a long time and  I hope  to help our farmers, fishermen and forestry workers access to the next-door markets in Europe which would bring in investment right here in East Devon.”

Liberal Democrats: Penny Lewis

“I have lived in the town for over 30 years, where I brought up my children. Now retired, I previously worked in the NHS, locally and nationally. Clinically I worked with both children and older people. Later in my career I specialised in leadership and organisational development. I also taught in higher education. I am committed to fair and transparent decisions which take into account the unintended consequences we too often see ignored.

I am a Green Liberal Democrat and I also worked locally to support the community’s response to the pandemic.

I would like to encourage more engagement with the community and people of all ages in Budleigh and the surrounding villages.”

Exmouth Brixington (three seats)

Conservative: Fred Caygill

“Councillor Fred Caygill has deep roots in the community. Born in November 1959 at his late grandmother’s house in Broad Park Road in the Brixington Ward. He grew up on the Marpool Council Estate in Withycombe. Councillor Fred Caygill is married to his wife Lynne, both were active for many years in local Youth and Adult sports. 

Fred served Her Majesty’s British Army for eight years 1982-1990. Upon leaving the British Army, he engaged in various occupations and he also volunteered as a Coastguard Rescue Officer with the Exmouth Coastguard Team, a role in which he rescued many dogs and owners off the cliffs of East Devon. 

He has recently become a Carers Ambassador for Devon Carers and an Ambassador for Dementia UK.  

He continues to strive to do his best for all constituents of Exmouth and will continue to do so should he be re-elected in May 2023.” 

Conservative: Maddy Chapman

“Madeleine Chapman ‘Maddy‘. Retired from health care, widow, mother, three grandsons.   I have been a councillor in Brixington for nearly  sixteen years, I have been deputy mayor, and the honour of being Exmouth town mayor. I serve on licensing, scrutiny, Lag; police, town maintenance and Exmouth town HR committees, I am also a director for Sideshore on your behalf. I work with our residents and residents groups on local and private problems and concerns, and put concerns and objections to both the town council and district council.  The past few years have been hard for all of us, and I would like to say how great Brixington church has been. and continue to be for our community, helping those who need us the most. I ask for your continued support to help all our residents and our town of Exmouth.”

Conservative: Cherry Nicholas

“Cherry is passionate about delivering opportunities for Exmouth residents of all ages and was an integral part of ensuring the play area of Brixington Park was renovated a few years ago. Cherry will make sure that this work is completed so that there is a proper hard surface sports area, better drainage, and a dedicated walking path all the way round.
With regards to the wider development of Exmouth – Cherry believes in building new houses so younger people can raise their families and thrive, but to do this she will hold developers to account to ensure they pay for much needed infrastructure, such as play areas, schools and health.

A committed Exmouth Festival committee member and volunteer,  She is determined, if re-elected, that Exmouth Town Council continues to invest at a very local level, so that opportunities for small groups, roads and neighbourhoods get the support they need to achieve their ambitions for the area they live in.”

Green: Malcolm Marrett

“I retired to Exmouth in 2008, after a career as a registered nurse in the NHS. I love living in Exmouth and enjoy the wonderful countryside and coastline of East Devon.
If you vote for me, I will advocate on your behalf to protect and sustain what we have. I am particularly keen to see EDDC challenge South West Water over their repeated pollution of our shoreline. I would like to help reclaim the pavements for pedestrians by making the roads safer for cyclists with the use of properly marked cycle lanes and sensible speed limits for vehicles. I am a great advocate for nonpolluting forms of transport, for instance cycle rickshaws, common in many cities around Europe, which would enhance the attractiveness of Exmouth town and seafront.”

Independent: Aurora Bailey

“I have been a Councillor for Brixington Ward for four years. I was on the Committee for refurbishing Brixington Play Park and Skateboard at Phear Park.  I had the honour of being a Governor for Bassetts Farm School for two years. I was on the Placemaking Group and have been instrumental in saving the Dinosaur Park at Queens Drive on the seafront. I am very concerned about climate and environmental issues eg South West Water sewage.  Also I have been trying to get back some zebra crossings eg subway to Powder Monkey safety for all and those with disabilities trying to cross there.  Also over -development of Goodmores Farm. Housing and the Wellbeing of all including our children and young adults.  I am approachable, friendly, passionate and caring.  I live in Exmouth and I was born in Torquay Devon through and through. Please vote for me for East Devon so I can follow through some of the things I have started.”

Independent: Ian Kirvan

“I am a resident of Brixington and for the last four years have represented it on Exmouth Town Council. During this period I have chaired the Town Maintenance Working Group which is responsible for flower beds and towers, grass cutting and general maintenance.

I care about our unique environment and I oppose any further large-scale developments without any sustained investment in our public infrastructure which we all rely on.  We must encourage our young people to remain in the town with appropriate housing and support local businesses to grow.

I am a supporter of local community sport and the benefits it brings to all.

If elected I will represent you with respect, openness and listen to our community.”

Liberal Democrats: Andrew Colman 

“Andrew has lived in Brixington with his wife for 20 years and works as a climate scientist in Exeter. His specialisms include encouraging local communities in Africa to maximise water resources against increasing drought. As a Liberal Democrat, he believes in local decision-making, with a strong voice for towns like Exmouth. He has been privileged to represent Brixington on both District and Town Councils since 2019. A founder member of the Democratic Alliance, the non-Conservative alternative administration, he believes in working together with other parties and groups. He would be honoured to represent Brixington again, if re-elected.”

Labour: Jamie Wickenden

“I live in Brixington, I went to school here and it’s where I’m raising my family.  I’m not the typical person who would run to be on the council, but I cannot sit back and watch this town continue to decline through poor decisions.  Exmouth needs to be a vibrant town – it has so much going for it.  My aim is to ensure Exmouth thrives.”

Exmouth Halsdon (three seats)

Conservative: Richard Parr

“I’m a local farmer.  I have lived in Devon all my life. I left comprehensive school at 16 and went on to do an apprenticeship for five years. I started in business at 26 for myself in agriculture support business for 15 years at which point I went back to my roots of farming.

We moved to Woodbury 16 years ago, where we brought up our four children.

I joined the local parish council three years ago and find my involvement very rewarding, by means of giving something back to the local community where I think a difference can be made.”

Conservative: Pauline Stott

“I have lived in Halsdon Ward for over 40 years and have seen many changes in the ward. I live in a road that suffers from being a ‘rat run’.

Before I retired I worked for 33 years out in the community as a care assistant for Social Services.

I was a founder member of Exmouth Archers.

During the last four years I have been raising funds for Beach Wheelchairs for the disabled. We now have a storage unit and have eight sponsored wheelchairs.

While on East Devon, I chaired the very successful housing Review board looking after the tenants and listening to their views and we were successful in trying to increase the housing stock. We have to find a way to help more people with social housing this will be my main priority if I am elected.”

Liberal Democrats: Tim Dumper

“Tim grew up in Exmouth, before pursuing a career in training and personnel work. Returning in 2004, he lives in the town and has served as a Governor of Exeter Road School. A Town Councillor for twelve years, he was also elected to the District Council for a spell. Tim works to improve transport and employment, and for urgent action on climate change. A former Parliamentary candidate for East Devon, he is married to Glynis and has a grown-up family. He would be honoured to represent Halsdon on both District and Town Councils in future.”

Liberal Democrats: Andrew Toye

“Andrew has lived in Exmouth for over forty years and has previously served on East Devon District council. He is currently an Exmouth Town Councillor for Halsdon, where he is involved in climate change issues, serving on the Council’s Climate and Ecological Emergency working party. He is also a trustee of Citizens Advice East Devon. He wants more genuinely affordable and social housing, including for rent, but built to a high environmental standard and located in ways that complement the character of the area. He would consider it a privilege to serve Halsdon on both Town and District Councils.”

Labour and Co-operative: Daniel Wilson

“Councils should be active and dynamic in their pursuit of making our communities the best they can be.  I have the drive, ambition and imagination that our councils need to better represent us.  You have three votes in this ward, I would be delighted if you could give me one of them, so I can represent us, with positivity, hope and determination.”

Exmouth Littleham (three seats)

Conservative: Brian Bailey

“I’m married to  Aurora, we have three children and seven grandchildren, we have lived in East Devon for many years living in Budleigh Salterton whereI served on the Town Council for 18 years, being the Mayor in 2003.

We moved to Exmouth in  2011. Having been elected to Exmouth Town Council and East Devon Council  in 2015, l served as community  safety  representative as well as an active member for planning committee. I was Deputy Mayor for Exmouth Town Council serving on the Neighbourhood Plan. For two years I campaigned for a relief road from Salterton Road to Devon Cliffs bypassing Littleham Village. Have been an active campaigner against South West Water regarding the many unauthorised  leaks of  raw sewage on the Mear Park on the seafront. I will campaign for the right houses in the right place and improve the way houses are maintained by the Council which is currently unacceptable. I will always listen to you and deliver your priorities.”

Conservative: Oliver Kerr

“Oliver is a young professional living in Exmouth who has a passion for our coast and countryside. With his background as a marine biologist and living and working here on the Devon coast, Oliver believes coastal towns like Exmouth need an experienced pragmatic environmental voice to protect support and strengthen our communities. 

He also wants to see the town centre and sea thrive, with local businesses that feel listen to and respected. He knows the natural environment brings a wealth of benefits to our town and will work hard to protect our green spaces and coastline. 

Oliver will listen to residents and deliver for you your priorities.  Oliver knowns Exmouth and East Devon  can be one of the best places to live and work in the country and will stand up for Exmouth to make sure our town gets the attention it rightly deserves.”

Green Party: Mike Rosser

“Exmouth has been a good place for my children to grow up. I hope it will be a safe and good place for my granddaughter to grow up in. I am concerned about further large scale housing development in the town, which is linked to probably the most congested road in East Devon. I will listen to and present the views of ward members. I will work in partnership with others, regardless of political persuasion, if it helps to address climate change, is beneficial to the environment and to those living in Exmouth.”

Liberal Democrats: Anne Hall

“Anne grew up in Exmouth , being educated at Littleham Junior school and Exmouth Comprehensive.

Leaving school at 16, Anne chose a career in horticulture, working at a local garden centre for six years before taking up a buying position with a garden centre chain in Dorset. Active in her local community, Anne spent nearly eight years as a Town Councillor, latterly becoming Mayor of Sherborne.

Anne, the mother of two grown-up children, recently moved back to Exmouth with her husband. She loves being part of a familiar community and would be proud to represent Littleham in future.”

Liberal Democrats: Nick Hookway

“Nick was elected to represent Littleham in 2019. In 2020, he supported moves between the opposition groups to create an alternative governing administration to the Conservatives. The Democratic Alliance was born and Nick joined the Cabinet. At the same time, he has always spoken up for Exmouth and for Littleham.

Nick was born and raised in Exmouth, and educated at Exeter School. He became a Secondary School teacher, firstly in Liverpool then in Plymouth and concluding his career running an IT department. After retirement in 2015, he returned to Exmouth with his late wife, Pauline. He has two grandchildren.”

Liberal Democrats: David Poor

“Married with two sons, David lives in Exmouth. After retiring, he has volunteered for the Citizens Advice Bureau and is a trustee of a London-based charity. Previously a Councillor for 12 years elsewhere, he has been a council cabinet member for housing and a local Liberal Democrat housing spokesman. He was first elected to Exmouth Town Council in 2019 and takes a keen interest in many aspects of Littleham life, from planning development to supporting Littleham’s Community Fridge. He thinks Exmouth is fortunate to have good independent shops but believes that towns need special help to flourish.”

Exmouth Town (three seats)

Conservative: Dominic Nancekievill – no details supplied

Conservative: Sylvia Wills – no details supplied

Green Party: Olly Davey

“I have lived and worked in Exmouth for 40 years. During that time, I have been a college technician, primary school teacher, guitar teacher and a schools music organiser. I am well known as a local musician, playing in bands and sessions. As an allotment holder, I am passionate about organic and sustainable methods of food production. I believe that we should be promoting renewable energy resources to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, encouraging local businesses rather than large chain stores, supporting alternatives to car use, and making roads safer for all users. I want to see cleaner air and unpolluted rivers and seas.”

Independent: Joe Whibley

“I have been proud to serve as one of your district councillors for the last four years and would love to carry on. I’ve worked in education and social care for over 20 years where I’ve developed a love of listening to people, and helping them. I’ve kept you informed where others have not on issues such as residents’ parking and issues on The Strand, and have stood up for the residents of Exmouth when voting and representing them in council matters. Outside of council work, I’m a musician and am incredibly proud to be part of the local music scene. 

Liberal Democrats: Eileen Wragg

“Eileen has been Councillor in Exmouth for many years and has served as the Town’s Mayor. Educated at Exmouth Grammar School, she graduated from the University of Plymouth in 1995.

Eileen has campaigned against high water charges imposed by South West Water. More recently, she has protested against the discharge of raw sewage on Exmouth beach. She was created an Honorary Alderman of Devon in 2017.

She shares the difficulties people face, having had to raise two young children alone on a limited budget. Eileen has helped numerous people with housing problems and planning issues.”

Exmouth Withycombe Raleigh (two seats)

Conservative: Josh Donald – no details supplied

Conservative: Brian Richards-  no details supplied

Liberal Democrats: Matt Hall

“Matt loves living in Exmouth, a town he has come to know through his wife, Anne, who was brought up in Littleham. Matt has over twelve years’ experience of local government, having served as a Councillor at various levels in Dorset. He currently works as a town planner in Exeter after retraining at the University of the West of England in Bristol. Matt wants to use his knowledge and experience of local government to help the town he calls home and to make sure the voices of the residents of Withycombe Raleigh are heard in the District and Town Councils.”

Liberal Democrats: Steve Gazzard

“Steve is currently Mayor of Exmouth, representing Withycombe Raleigh on East Devon and Exmouth Town Councils. Exmouth-born, he was educated at Marpool Primary and at what is now the Community College. After school, he took an apprenticeship with the Exmouth Journal, qualifying as a compositor. He later became a Devon ambulanceman for twenty years before failing eyesight ended his career. After the death of his daughter, Sarah Wright, from a chronic lung condition while awaiting an organ transplant, Steve has campaigned ceaselessly to increase the number of registered donors and to change the law.

Labour: Andrew Woodward

“I moved to Exmouth 15 years ago and have been welcomed with open arms by the people of this town.  I love this place and feel very privileged to live in such a naturally beautiful part of the country and live and work amongst such good people.  I now want to put something back into this community and serve my fellow Exmouthians to the best of my ability.” 

Woodbury & Lympstone (two seats)

Conservative: Ben Ingham

“I was born in East Devon and live in Lympstone with my partner, Sarah. I have been a member of East Devon District Council for the last twenty-eight years. During this time I have done my best to protect the interests of our four village communities within the parishes of Woodbury and Lympstone. 

I appreciate each village is slightly different with its own needs and aspirations. I want to continue making sure your voice is heard and acted on. This particularly includes fighting unwanted development within our parishes, plus controlling the wasteful projects not supported by you; the council tax payer. 

 As a councillor, I have always challenged the uncontrolled excesses of the council, whoever has been in power. I believe it is essential to protect our unique environment, especially our rivers and beautiful countryside. Everything we do must consider the effect it may have on climate change and our environment. Despite this I still see bright opportunities for East Devon, but we must work hard to make them happen, ensuring we provide and protect for future generations as well as ourselves.” 

Conservative: Cheryl McGauley

“Cheryl is standing for the East Devon District Council Elections as she would like to make a difference for all local people and for their voices to be heard. Cheryl would like to improve the need for housing for young people, whilst ensuring there is the developmental infrastructure for the community. Cheryl is very passionate about the environment and how we protect it and she wants to ensure that everyone is being mindful of this and hold to account the companies damaging it such as South West Water with our seas being polluted. We are in hard times as a whole with the cost-of-living crisis being at an all time high. Cheryl would like to work with food banks in order to provide families with the support they need.” 

Green: Alexis Taylor

“A long-time Devon resident with a background in health and social care, I am trying to lighten my footprint on the earth and, more importantly, want to leave a better world for the generations to come.

As a Green councillor I will:

• Seek to enrich the quality of life for children and adults
• Be guided in all my actions by the need to mitigate the impact of climate chalnge and to protect land, seas and rivers in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• Fight for housing to be built in the right place and to be affordable for all. A new town may be a better solution than stressing the infrastructure of villages
• Co-operate across parties, bringing an additional Green voice to the Democratic Alliance Group which has enriched local government in East Devon in tackling the many issues that are devolved to local government”

Liberal Democrats: Geoff Jung

“I have been a District Councillor for eight years and a Cabinet member for the last four years, leading the council`s initiatives on environmental, flood and coastal protection, biodiversity, and woodland creation.

Amongst my other responsibilities I am Chair of EDDC/Suez Recycling and Waste Management Committee, Board member of the Pebblebed Heaths National Nature Reserve, and lead Councillor for the Clyst Valley Regional Park.

I am now seeking re-election to continue the challenge of climate change and biodiversity net gain strategies that the Council has recently initiated which will protect and enhance our beautiful countryside for future generations.”  

Labour: Amanda Ford

“I live and work locally.  Having spent 30 years working in the NHS as a nurse, midwife and health visitor I am uniquely aware of how important it is that our local council functions well to provide the essential services to ensure the wellbeing of our communities.  East Devon District Council needs change.”