DEREK Coren secured an emphatic victory in the Yeo Ward by-election on Thursday, February 25, to become the latest Conservative member of Mid Devon District Council.

Derek, who farms between Yeoford and Cheriton Bishop, eased to victory over the Lib-Dem candidate at the polls, securing 60 per cent of the votes in a keenly fought two-horse race.

The result represents an impressive 27 per cent swing from when the seat was last contested in 2007, and provides another boost to local Conservatives, just weeks ahead of the forthcoming General Election.

Derek polled 714 votes, compared to 489 votes by his opponent, Peter Heal, from Lapford, giving him a significant majority of 225.

Returning Officer for the by-election, Kevin Finan, said there was a 45.4 per cent turnout, with 1,207 votes cast from 2,657 who were eligible.

He said there were four ballot papers which were rejected for being unmarked or wholly void for uncertainty.

The by-election was called following the death of Lib Dem candidate, Dave Pullen, who was widely regarded as a hardworking and conscientious councillor.

Cllr Coren will serve for 18 months until the next parish and district council election.

The 2007 council election result for the ward was Conservative 396 and Lib Dem 804.

Speaking after his victory Derek said: "I am very grateful for all the support I have received from local people and also for the trust they have placed in me. I will work very hard to address their issues within the council."

Cllr Coren also thanked all those who campaigned for him and confirmed that it had been a "clean, friendly contest".

Welcoming Derek's victory Mid Devon District Council leader Peter Hare-Scott said: "This is a fantastic result and thoroughly deserved.

"Derek has been an excellent candidate who has worked tirelessly throughout the campaign.

"I am delighted to welcome him to our team. He brings a wealth of experience and will be a great asset to the authority.

"This is the first real verdict on the Conservative led administration elected in 2007 which has delivered considerable improvements and transformed the financial standing of Mid Devon District Council."

The campaign was overseen by Mel Stride, the Conservative prospective Parliamentary candidate for Central Devon, which includes the Yeo Ward.

Speaking after the result, Mel said he was "delighted", but added: "I am never complacent and we will continue to work flat out to stand up for local residents and to protect our local communities."

Last year, at the Devon County Council elections, the Conservatives secured almost 50 per cent of the total vote in Central Devon - a higher level than was achieved by the party in any other Devon constituency.

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