Independents win East Devon

One more than Lib Dems. Tory leader loses seat.

Once again little separates the parties and groups in East Devon in this year’s local elections.

The Independents edged out the Liberal Democrats by 19 seats to 18, but this is a notable improvement for the Lib Dems who managed only seven in 2019.

The Conservatives were only just behind on 17, but lost their leader Philip Skinner who was displaced by Liberal Democrat Richard Jeffries.

Speaking on his 24 years as a councillor, Mr Skinner said: “I’ve worked passionately for East Devon. It’s been in my heart for 24 years to be honest with you and I’m deeply upset really.

“However, I’m leader of the Conservative Group here and I’ve got to see my other colleagues over the line. And hopefully we can still win power in the elections.”

Former Independent Paul Arnott held onto his seat in Coly Valley having joined the Liberal Democrats ahead of this year’s vote.

In an improved showing, Labour took three seats, with Violet Bonetta becoming the youngest-ever councillor in East Devon at just 18.

The Greens kept hold of two seats, while the Liberal Party – not to be confused with the Lib Dems – claimed one of its own.

Cllr Bonetta, whose brother Jake sat on East Devon’s council in the previous term, wants to encourage more young people into politics.

“This is the first election I’ve been involved in, let alone run for an election, so I would encourage anyone thinking about running as a councillor to go for it,” she said.

Cllr Arnott, meanwhile, indicated that he will lead the council as part of a coalition between his Liberal Democrat Party, some Independents, the Greens and the Labour Group.

“There may be some other Independents we haven’t talked to yet who might want to come in,” he added. “Maybe even some other political party, I simply don’t know at this stage – it’s too early to say. But yes, we will be the largest political group as a democratic alliance, Lib Dems standing proudly as a majority of it.”