THERE have been some big changes taking place at the Mid Devon Local Elections as results being announced today, Friday, May 3, revealed losses for the Conservatives but gains for the Green Party and locally to Crediton, wins for the Liberal Democrats.

A significant loss locally for the Conservatives was in Sandford and Creedy where Margaret Squires (Conservative) was elected with 632 votes with Green candidate Elizabeth Wainwright (565), Conservative Peter Heal, the former chairman of Mid Devon District Council losing the seat he was standing in for the first time, recording 482 votes.

Liberal Democrats fared well in the Crediton Boniface ward to retain both seats. Results were: Jim Cairney (LD) 541, John Downes (LD) 534, Bob Edwards (UKIP) 161, Gina Ford (C) 159, Roddy Jaques (C) 154 and Louise Lampard (Labour) 115.

In Crediton’s Lawrence ward the results were good again for the Liberal Democrats, retaining both seats.

Results were: Frank Letch (LD) 682, Andi Wyer (LD) 570, Judi Binks (C) 256, Mike Szabo (UKIP) 233, Dan Webb (C) 223.

Other local results were: Cadbury (one seat): Bob Deed (Independent) 398, Gavin Donovan (C) 253.

Taw Vale (one seat): Clive Eginton (C) 388, Penny King (Green) 140, Connor Bowdler (Labour) 83.

There was a gain for the Liberal Democrats from Conservative at Upper Yeo, Alex White (LD) winning the single seat with 295, Jill Doe (C) receiving 227.

In Way ward Polly Colthorpe (C), retained her seat with 302 votes, Dave Wood (Green) receiving 225 votes.

Yeo ward’s two seats were retained by the Conservatives with Derek Coren (C) polling 589 and Stuart Penny (C) 514.

Stephen Barnes (LD) polled 471 and Josh Hyson (LD) 474.

WINDOWS SMASHED

One of the youngest Mid Devon candidates, Roddy Jaques, had a number of windows of his Crediton home smashed prior to the election.

John Daw (C) was re-elected unopposed in the Taw ward.

Results of parish and town elections have yet to be declared.