THERE have been some dramatic changes at Mid Devon District Council.

At a meeting of the full council yesterday, Wednesday, May 22, Independent Councillor Bob Deed was elected Leader of the Council.

The Liberal Democrat group voted in favour of Cllr Bob Deed as opposed to a Conservative proposition.

A spokesperson for the Liberal Democrat group told the “Courier”: “The reason for our vote was simple. Cllr Bob Deed proposed a politically-balanced Council and cabinet with cabinet positions offered to all groups with the Conservatives as the largest group being offered the most.

“However during the meeting the Conservative group stated it would not take its share and would instead be forming an opposition.”

The spokesperson continued: “At the elections on May 2, the electorate of Mid Devon made the Council No Overall Control, and the Lib Dem view this as how it should be, all groups working together for the best of the people of Mid Devon.

“This really should be about ‘people before politics’.”

Lib Dem Group Leader Luke Taylor added: “I was elected in my ward of Bradninch by people who usually support all different parties but will vote for me as the person and they know I put the interests of them before any political wranglings.

“That is why I feel a politically-balanced cabinet and Council is the best way forward – all working together for the same aim.

“It is obviously disappointing that the Conservative group do not feel they can be a part of that.

“They (the Conservatives) have some excellent Councillors who would bring a wealth of knowledge and that will sadly be lost”.

Both the Lib Dems and the Independents have now agreed to work together, not as a coalition but as a large working group for the people of Mid Devon.

The group says it does not have any joint manifesto and it will still vote as it sees fit at each voting occasion.

The Lib Dems and Independents both asked the Conservative group to reconsider its position and join a Unified Council.

The Liberal Democrats added: “We still believe in fairer democracy from the Cabinet system and already have motions lined up to challenge the status quo and bring balanced decisions to Mid Devon.”

Crediton Mayor and the chairman of Crediton Town Council, Cllr Frank Letch is to become the Chairman of MDDC’s Scrutiny committee.

Les Cruwys is set to become chairman of Mid Devon District Council with Ray Radford as vice-chairman.