Local elections: it’s Lib Dems versus Reform now

Following the elections for Devon County Council last week, which saw the Conservatives lose 32 seats and Labour forfeit all theirs, the Lib Dems have established themselves as the main challengers to the insurgent Reform UK party. 

Across Devon, the Lib Dems gained 18 county councillors and now occupy 27 of the 60 seats. The Lib Dems also won a by-election for West Devon Borough Council, where Graham Reed was elected to represent Tavistock North. This adds to their success just two weeks ago when Kerry O’Rourke was elected to represent Appledore on Torridge District Council. 

Commenting on his victory, Graham Reed said:

‘I am grateful for the trust placed in me by the voters of Tavistock North and will work hard to represent their needs. The Lib Dems fought a positive campaign on local issues that matter to people like the state of our roads, our water, and our public services and we will always stand up for fairness and decency in politics.  I will always be ready to help residents on any Council-related issues or problems.’

Across the constituency, in the county elections Lib Dem candidates polled more votes than any other party. However, except in Torrington Rural, where popular local campaigner Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin won by a huge margin, this was not translated into seats. Lib Dem candidates came close seconds in Tavistock and Yelverton Rural, where the Lib Dem candidates Holly Greenberry-Pullen and Chris West will continue to support local residents in their existing roles as Borough Councillors. 

Phil Hutty, Parliamentary spokesperson for Torridge and Tavistock, said:

‘The verdict last week was clearly a rejection of England’s two main political parties. We understand people’s frustration. The Lib Dems will always put local issues and local needs first. We have a strengthened presence now on both Borough and County Councils and will continue to fight not only for better services but for our democratic values and a fair deal for rural communities.’

NOTES

The number of votes cast for each party across Torridge and Tavistock parliamentary constituency was:

Liberal Democrats                8,534

Reform                                   8,489

Conservative                         7,096

Green                                     2,437

Labour                                   1,262

Independent                         668