THERE was a surprise for a local councillor recently when the nominees for the forthcoming parish and district council elections were announced by Mid Devon District Council.
There was one uncontested district ward, Taw Ward where The Conservative Party candidate John Daw was elected uncontested.
John, who is a long-serving district councillor, previously as an Independent, told the “Courier”: “It is absolutely marvellous.
“To be returned unopposed is an honour.
“While politics is at its lowest zenith I am glad on this achievement.
“I hope the reason no-one is opposing me is because of the work I have done in my area in the past.
“I think it is because I try to do things for those in my area and if I can’t, I will try to find someone who can.
“I hope I can continue to serve my area and the wider district effectively and it will be nice not to have to play politics on the doorstep.”
LOCAL DISTRICT COUNCIL NOMINATIONS
With regard to the election of Mid Devon District Councillors the nominees for Crediton Boniface ward are: Jim Carney (Liberal Democrats), John Downes (Liberal Democrats), Bob Edwards (UK Independence Party), Gina Ford (Conservative), Roddy Jaques (Conservative) and Louise Lampard (Labour Party).
Crediton Lawrence nominations are: Judi Binks (Conservative), Frank Letch (Liberal Democrats), Michael Szabo (UK Independence Party), Dan Webb (Conservative) and Andi Wyer (Liberal Democrats).
Standing for Newbrooke are: Graeme Barnell (Liberal Democrats), Martin Binks (Conservative) and Allan Jones (UK Independence Party).
Standing for Sandford and Creedy are: Peter Heal (Conservative), Margaret Squires (Conservative) and Elizabeth Wainwright (Green Party).
Taw Vale: Connor Bowdler (Labour Party), Clive Eginton (Conservative) and Penny King (Green Party).
Way: Polly Colthorpe (Conservative) and Dave Wood (Green Party).
Cadbury: Bob Deed (Independent) and Gavin Donovan (Conservative).
Upper Yeo: Jill Doe (Conservative) and Alex White (Liberal Democrats).
Yeo: Stephen Barnes (Liberal Democrats), Derek Coren (Conservative), John Hyson (Liberal Democrats) and Stuart Penny (Conservative).
Silverton: Deborah Custance-Baker (Conservative), Patricia Jones (Independent), Janet Rice (The Liberal Party) and Josh Wright (Liberal Democrats).
PARISH AND TOWN
In the town and parish council elections, for areas where an equal or fewer number of candidates have been nominated than there are seats up for election, a poll will not be held and the candidates will be elected uncontested.
There will therefore be no parish or town elections locally at Bow, Chawleigh, Cheriton Bishop, Cheriton Fitzpaine, Colebrooke, Copplestone, Crediton Town (Boniface ward), Crediton Hamlets (Hookway ward), Crediton Hamlets (Yeoford ward), Down St Mary, Hittisleigh, Morchard Bishop, Newton St Cyres, Nymet Rowland, Poughill, Puddington, Sandford, Shobrooke, Silverton (Village ward), Thelbridge, Washford Pyne, Wembworthy and Zeal Monachorum.
LOCAL PARISH AND TOWN NOMINATIONS
Election candidates for local town and parish elections are:
Coldridge: Marion Born, Christopher Burrows, Jeffrey Burrows, John Daw, Andrew Green, Ivan Kriznik, Jim Sampson and John Smith.
Crediton (Lawrence ward): Elizabeth Brookes-Hocking, James Edlin-Benwell, Frank Letch, Tim Matthews, Mike Szabo (UKIP), Paul Vincent (Independent) and Andi Wyer.
Lapford: Sue Briant-Evans (Independent), Briony Clinch, David Davenport, Jill Doe, Julie Down, Donna Egan, Bill Graham, Hilary Hassett, Peter Heal, Ian Hemsworth, Rachel Phillips and Alex Shapland.
Thorverton: Roger Cashmore, Stuart Crang, Bob Deed, Rob Flatt, Andrew Foster, William Hodge, Neville Lane, Hilary Lawson, Graham Sims, David Waldron and Keeley Wells.
As a result of the uncontested elections, there will be no polls on May 2 in the following areas: Down St Mary, Nymet Rowland, Wembworthy and Zeal Monachorum.
POLL DETAILS
Polling Stations will open to the public from 7am to 10pm on Thursday, May 2.
The verification of votes will take place from 10pm on Thursday, May 2, followed by the count from 9.30am on Friday, May 3 at Mid Devon District Council offices at Phoenix House, Tiverton.