COUNCILLOR David Wulff, Liberal Democrat, Tiverton Castle ward, has been appointed as the new Leader of Mid Devon District Council, following a meeting of the full council.

Cllr Wulff, who was the deputy leader, takes over from fellow Lib Dem colleague, Cllr Luke Taylor, Bradninch ward, who has held the position since the district wide elections in 2023.

As well as being the new Leader Cllr Wulff also works in local government as a business analyst and software engineer.

He is also a full-time carer and co-founder of a Community Interest Company that helps local organisations deliver everything from mental health support to environmental education in schools.

Cllr Wulff said: “My priorities as Leader come back to a simple idea - the council exists to serve the person in front of it.

“That means making it easier for residents to reach out earlier, before small problems become big ones, and making sure our services genuinely improve people's lives.

“The cost of living continues to bear down hardest on those least able to afford it, and the council has a role to play in easing that pressure - whether through tackling health inequalities, expanding access to our leisure and fitness offer, or continuing Mid Devon's local leadership in delivering net zero homes for social tenants. Everyone deserves the security of a good home in a safe, welcoming community.

“I also want us to protect what makes Mid Devon special - a beautiful district with deep history and distinct character, where around half of our residents live in rural communities.

“I understand that value and will lead the Council to protect Mid Devon's natural and built environment, work hand in hand with our voluntary and community sector and meet our climate and biodiversity commitments head on.

“Local Government Reorganisation brings significant challenges for a rural and market town district like ours, but also real opportunities, and I will fight to ensure our communities' needs are put first throughout that process.”

While leading a busy life with council duties, an IT job and family life, Cllr Wulff recognises the need for some time for relaxation and added: “When I do get downtime, you'll usually find me under the bonnet of a Jaguar car, a habit inherited from my father, or being supervised by one of the many cats I've somehow accumulated over the years.”

During the meeting the council also appointed Cllr Guy Cochran, Liberal Democrat, Crediton Lawrence ward, as Deputy Leader and re-elected Cllr Gordon Czapiewski, Liberal Democrat, Tiverton Lowman ward, as Chair of the Council, with Cllr Sandy Chenore, Liberal Democrat, Yeo ward, as vice chair.