Lib Dem elected to Ivybridge Council

Victor Abbot is already a South Hams councillor

Ivybridge Town Council has elected a new councillor following a by-election on Thursday. 

Cllr Victor Abbott who also serves as a Liberal Democrat Councillor on South Hams District Council for Ivybridge East, including part of Ugborough, gained 423 votes compared to the only other candidate, Jay Brown, who polled 81.

The seat became vacant after the resignation of former mayor, Ann Laity, earlier this year. 

Cllr Abbott, was unaware that he had won the vote until he was contacted by the Local Democracy Reporter and he said he was keen to work for local people. 

“I hope I can represent their views in an inclusive way,” he said. “I have been going along fairly regularly. 

“Town council meetings are every six weeks, and I give a report on behalf of the district council to the town. 

“But what I missed was the ability to understand the views from the town’s perspective. So, once or twice, I tried to engage town councillors in both individual and group discussions, and I think that will possibly be easier.”

Cllr Abbott thanked the voters but, after a turnout of just over 12 per cent, said he would like more people to become involved in the town council.  

“I’m very grateful for all those who voted. It’s not a fantastic percentage of the electorate and it would be great if more townspeople saw a value in the town council and were inspired to both stand and to vote. 

“And I think there’s an opportunity to try and to try and put across the work of the council to the town and show them the value in these activities.”

The potential electorate in Ivybridge East is just over 4,000. Cllr Abbott now joins 15 other councillors on Ivybridge Town Council.