Torridge Lib Dems ready for seats in County Hall

Torridge Lib Dems are fielding a full slate of candidates for the Devon County Council elections on 1 May, including some well-known community campaigners and two serving mayors. 

Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, leader of the Lib Dem group on the District Council, said:

‘Everywhere you look, the Conservatives have failed: the state of our roads, social care, education, children’s services... the list goes on. Council taxpayers are paying more and getting less. It’s time for change at County Hall!’

Cheryl, who is standing in her home seat of Torrington Rural, has campaigned hard for better children’s facilities, a fair deal for farmers, and protection for the environment. In Holsworthy and its rural area, sitting mayor Nigel Kenneally has joined the Lib Dems and is hoping to oust the Tory candidate. He is incensed that residents with chronic conditions needing regular blood tests now have to travel to Barnstaple to get them. 

Another sitting mayor, Rachel Clarke, hopes to take the seat of ‘Bideford East’ – a misnomer since it includes all central Bideford west of the water as well as the Londonderry estate. As mayor of Bideford this past year and a former District councillor, Rachel is well known as an outspoken champion for the area and its residents. 

Abbotsham Parish Councillor Claire Davey-Potts is contesting Bideford West and Hartland. Claire has been a stalwart of campaigns against water pollution, cuts to library services, and insensitive housing development.

In Northam, Kerry O’Rourke is a newcomer to politics but not to community campaigning. She is well known as a dynamic community organiser and volunteer with the Food Bank, Chatty Café, and the community radio broadcaster Up Close radio, and last year won Bideford Town Council’s Citizen of the Year award. She is also standing for election as District Councillor for Appledore in the by-election which takes place on 17 April. 

Lib Dem Parliamentary spokesperson Phil Hutty said:

‘The state of our roads and public services is a terrible indictment of Conservative leadership over so many years. What is needed is a firm grip on finances and management. The new crop of Lib Dem MPs across Devon have already shown how different politics can be, standing up for rural communities in Parliament. These candidates will bring the same energy and commitment to County Hall.’

ENDS