Lib Dems hail the deprivation of Tory majority in West Devon

Newly elected borough councillors George Dexter (Okehampton North) and Pete Squire (Tavistock North) have hailed the recent election results as a clear sign that local people want change and no longer trust the Conservatives to run West Devon.

George Dexter, who was elected last week to represent Okehampton North, said:

'Voters in our area and across Devon have sent a clear message that they no longer have confidence in the Conservatives. Thank you to everyone who made the effort to go out and vote in support of our active and growing Lib Dem team. We look forward to representing you all on West Devon Borough Council.'

The election for the Burrator ward of West Devon Borough Council has been postponed, following the sad death of one of the candidates. Chris West, who will be standing for the Liberal Democrats in the ward, said:

'We are deeply saddened by the news of the death of Neil Jameson and our thoughts go out to his family.

Chris is a former headteacher with a record of tackling deprivation and recognises the challenges faced by rural communities in Devon. He is also a keen gardener who enjoys and appreciates the natural environment and seeks to protect the Burrator area from the competing pressures it faces. As an active member of the local community, Chris has overseen the repair and renovation of the Rock Methodist Church. He has also served as Secretary and Chair of the Buckland Allotment group.

Torridge and West Devon parliamentary spokesperson for the Lib Dems, Simon Hobson, commented:

'People across Devon have seen that their local Lib Dem teams care about their communities and have positive answers to their daily worries on the environment, the cost-of-living, affordable housing and access to the NHS. That is why more and more people are backing our hard-working Liberal Democrat candidates.'

The Burrator ward election will take place on 15 June.

Photo: Former Headteacher Chris West who is standing for Burrator ward