TWO by-elections are set to be held to fill empty seats on Mid Devon District Council and Crediton Town Council following the death of Frank Letch MBE.

Cllr Letch, a Liberal Democrat, represented the Crediton Lawrence ward at the district council for 10 years and was chairman of the local authority at the time of his death at the age of 80 on April 8. He became a town councillor in 2004 and was Crediton’s mayor for 13 years.

Cllr Letch was also Crediton’s county councillor, and has been succeeded by fellow Liberal Democrat Jim Cairney after he was elected to the post in May.

The three candidates in the district council by-election are Terence Joseph Edwards for the Labour Party, Andy Hankins for Reform UK, and Tim Stanford for the Liberal Democrats.

Mid Devon District Council is currently controlled by the Liberal Democrats, who have 34 councillors. The Conservatives and the Green Party have three councillors each, and the Labour Party has none. There is one independent councillor.

In the town council by-election, Tim Stanford is again the Liberal Democrats’ candidate, and Gary Stanley is standing as an independent.

Mr Stanford lost an election to independent Vix Frisby in March for another vacant seat on the town council.

People will go to the polls to vote in both the district and town elections on Thursday, June 26.

Short introductory profiles written by each of the candidates can be read below.

I am totally committed to representing the people of Crediton Lawrence which like everywhere in Devon has been hit by austerity affecting housing, roads, education and health.

I have a record in delivering improved services in the Uffculme/ Ashill area of Devon this includes resurfacing the 1.5-mile stretch of road between the two villages, implementing a road wardens scheme where we can fill our own potholes, representing residents' concerns on the quarries at Aggregate Industries, Uffculme Men’s Club and Mole Valley feed mill.

As the only [district] candidate to put their address on the ballot paper I am visible and available to contact at any time.

I have worked in local government for 33 years and have extensive knowledge of how they are run.

If elected I will continue to work tirelessly for the residents of Crediton Lawrence taking all of your concerns on board.

My name is Andy Hankins and I am a family man, married to Tina, with two wonderful daughters.

We have lived in beautiful Mid Devon for over 18 years and love it!

I'm a business manager in electrical wholesale, supplying electrical equipment to electricians and solar PV installers throughout Mid and North Devon. For the past eighteen years, Tina has worked in the NHS.

I am also a [Morchard Bishop] parish councillor, a role I thoroughly enjoy and find extremely rewarding, and would love the honour and privilege of further serving our community as the councillor for Crediton Lawrence at Mid Devon District Council.

I’ve lived here for 18 years with my wife and children. Over that time, I’ve rolled up my sleeves and been deeply involved in our community – from youth football and the sea cadets to volunteering as a school governor and supporting community radio.

Simply, this is my home, and I want it to thrive. Importantly, I am the only [district] candidate who lives in the Lawrence Ward of Crediton.

There are three challenges we need to address: continuing delivering more genuinely affordable, energy-efficient homes so local people aren’t priced out of Crediton; supporting our high street with grants for small businesses, creating better local jobs; and making sure taxpayers’ money is spent fairly and wisely – where it’s needed most.

If I’m elected to both Crediton Town Council and Mid Devon District Council, I want to be a strong voice for our local economy – championing small traders, independent retailers, and the people who work so hard to keep our high street alive.

I live at Queen Elizabeth Drive and have been a resident of Crediton all my life.

My work – in IT, network support, and graphic design – informs a practical, problem-solving approach, which I believe can add useful skills alongside town council colleagues.

Alongside, I have raised two teenage sons as a single father, and am thus well aware of the needs of young people within the community.

I'm standing as an independent candidate because I believe solving local issues should come before party politics.

Crediton deserves a council that listens, responds promptly, and works for residents – not just during elections, but all year round.

As an example of my campaigning on local issues, when the Tesco roundabout became increasingly unsafe, I sought help through official channels, then organised an online petition.

With the help of the deputy town clerk and Tesco, I successfully pushed Devon County Council for safety improvements.

The improved road markings on the approach to the roundabout are the result!