Lib Dems comment on winning South Hams District Council last week

The Liberal Democrats now control South Hams District Council for the first time, following the local elections on 4 May.

The Liberal Democrats won 19 of the 31 seats available. The former controlling party, the Conservative Party won seven seats but lost nine councillors.

The Green Party won three seats, the Labour Party won one seat and one independent councillor was also elected. 

A spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats said: "A number of existing Lib Dem councillors had stood for re-election, such as Julian Brazil who is also a County Councillor, Susie Jackson who works at Torbay Hospital and Dan Thomas a primary school teacher.

"Lib Dem councillors John Birch, John McKay, Victor Abbott, Guy Pannell and Denise O'Callaghan were also reelected.

"They also put forward a diverse range of candidates, many of whom were standing for local election for the first time including Nadine Dommett who manages Hettie’s Coffee Shop in Ivybridge, Dr David Hancock who is a South Brent Parish Councillor and researcher at Exeter University and Ged Yardy who has been involved with the health and wellbeing centre in Dartmouth, will all now join the council."

Cllr Julian Brazil said: "It was great to see a strong majority of Liberal Democrat councillors elected. I know their first priority will be to do what's best for their communities.

"We now have the chance to start enacting some of the exciting and ambitious plans we have for the South Hams. We will be an inclusive council and we want to hear about everyones' hopes, fears and ideas. Please get in touch. These are exciting times."

Cllr John Birch for the Totnes ward said: “We are delighted that the South Hams Liberal Democrats have taken control of the district council and especially pleased to have done so with such a decisive majority. 

"Both our experienced councillors and our brilliant, fresh new additions look forward to getting to work and are excited to start enacting our bold and ambitious manifesto.

"We want to deliver quickly on our commitments concerning affordable housing, protecting the environment and enhancing the towns and villages across the vibrant South Hams."

Our previous story on the election results can be found here: www.southhams.com/blog/general-news/conservatives-lose-control-of-south-hams-district-council-for-the-first-time-in-its-history