Liberal Democrats field experienced candidates in West Devon Borough Council elections
The Liberal Democrats are standing eight experienced candidates in the forthcoming West Devon Borough Council elections which take place on 4 May.
Tavistock dentist Andrew Brown, well known for his commitment to environmental causes, particularly his efforts to expose sewage discharges in the region's river network, is standing in Mary Tavy. Andrew is a passionate conservationist who cares deeply about preserving the natural beauty of Dartmoor, West Devon and the wider Tamar Valley. He is currently working on projects to protect the local population of dark honey bees and to revive the endangered Willow tit species in collaboration with the National Trust.
Dr. George Dexter is standing in Okehampton North. George has extensive experience in housing, education, and the NHS. He served as a Director of two of Devon's NHS Trusts, which first built and then ran the Community Hospital in Okehampton. He also has long experience in education and helped to set up the Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust, to which Okehampton College belongs. He was a District Councillor before moving to Devon.
Holly Greenberry-Pullen is a candidate for Dartmoor ward. Holly lives in Princetown with her two children and has a long-standing track record helping children and women's human rights and health care. She is recognised for her community work and for her equality and human rights work across the UK, and she also has an MSc in Environmental and Engineering Geology. With a background in healthcare, housing, and advocacy, Holly has been a school governor in both the Tavistock and Dartington areas. Holly has a long history of working in the housing sector and worked closely with community action groups and public service providers - including engagements in Westminster on behalf of community groups.
North Tawton parish councillor Christian Martin is standing in Exbourne. Christian was previously a Councillor in Bristol and is appalled by the recent developments at Okehampton College, where he has a child attending. Christian agrees with many local people who feel they (and the country) are being taken for granted by the Conservatives. Outspoken, determined, vocal and energetic Christian will be a powerful advocate for the community.
Graham Reed is the Liberal Democrat candidate in Bere Ferrers. Graham runs a local glassblowing company and has had a strong involvement in the local communities over the years, has been a local parish councillor, and currently a chair of Watersports Hub club site. As a director on "BereGen", he has helped look after Bere Alston's Parish Hall and support activities in the area. Across the Tamar valley, he's a director in the Tamar Energy Community, and was an early backer and campaigner for the widespread use of renewable energy, a strong supporter of Tavistock's "Transition Town" group. Graham wants to campaign for more renewable energy to help tackle energy prices rises, to help ease the cost-of-living crisis.
Tavistock man Pete Squire is standing for Tavistock North. Pete has been a Tavistock town councillor for 4 years and a recycling champion with the Borough Council. Born into a local farming family, Peter attended Tavistock College, where his children also went to school, and was chair of Tavistock College Governors in the early 2000s. Pete has spent over 30 years working in health and social care for Devon County Council and the NHS.
Ashley West is the Liberal Democrat candidate for Buckland Monochorum. Aged 31, Ashley has lived in Yelverton since he was 5 years old and knows how difficult it is for young people to travel and seek local opportunities. His qualifications include a 2:1 degree in Economics from Plymouth University and feels the area has been badly let down in terms of infrastructure and community support. He will fight for more connectivity and help for every generation. Ashley has been a parish councillor in Buckland Monachorum since 2019, sitting on both planning and finance committees. As a local campaigner, he has overseen the Briar Tor wildflower meadow, worked to get transport improvements to Plymouth and seeks to get the local planning office back from Totnes to Tavistock.
Chris West is standing for Burrator. Chris is a highly qualified head teacher, experienced in dealing with high levels of deprivation, and with a record in transforming education in Devon. Chris understands the challenges rural communities are facing and knows that we need to invest in the next generation. Chris is a keen gardener who enjoys the amazing natural environment that Burrator has to offer, and wants 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 as a Church Steward and Property officer. He has also served as Secretary and Chair of the Buckland Allotment group.
George Dexter said:
'Together we have a wealth of experience to offer the people of West Devon. We hope to form a formidable team on the Council. Many people we speak to say they are being taken for granted by the Conservatives. By electing us as your councillors we will give you a powerful local voice that does not toe the Government line.'