The Lib Dems have taken what was thought to be a safe Conservative district council seat at Filham ward in Ivybridge.
Tony Barber was voted in by just 23 votes in the ward which is also represented by Conservative Cllr Roger Croad.
The by-election was triggered by the resignation of Conservative Terry Hewitt, and the hot topic has been the incinerator, which is planned for just two-miles outside the town (the planning permission consultation for which began yesterday).
But new district councillor Tony isn’t all one-agenda – he’s been on the PRSD campaigning for more buses from Ivybridge to Derriford Hospital.
With a 21 per cent turn out (who says there’s a crisis in local democracy), the Liberal Democrats picked up 379 of the votes (44 per cent), Alan Wright of the Conservatives 356 (41 per cent), and Helen Eassom, Labour, 121 (14 per cent).
Liberal Democrat PPC for South West Devon Anna Pascoe, who acted as the agent for this by-election, said: “This is a great result for Ivybridge! Local people have chosen Tony Barber because they know he will work hard and stand up for the town.”
(Image: from left Cllr Tony Barber; Anna Pascoe, Lib Dem PPC for South West Devon; Stephen Kearney and Tony’s wife Jill and Yealmpton district councillor Keith Baldry)
Come and enjoy Devon – book a hotel and get away!
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- The many hats of Councillor Croad. But is he conflicted on the Ivybridge incinerator issue? With all the roles that District and County Councillors can...
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