For the first time since December 2019, voters across Devon will go to the polls on Thursday, May 6, in a series of elections.
Elections will take place for all 60 seats on Devon County Council, the Police and Crime Commissioner, the delayed 2020 local elections in Exeter and Plymouth, by-elections in East Devon, South Hams, Mid Devon, Torbay and Exeter, Neighbourhood Plan referendums, and for various vacant parish and town council seats.
But who is standing, how exactly is voting going to be carried out in a Covid-safe manner, and when will I know who has won?
The Local Democracy Reporting Service takes a look at some of the questions and more in all you need to know about the local elections.
WHEN AND HOW CAN I VOTE?
Polling stations will open at 7am on Thursday, May 6, and close at 10pm later that day. If there’s a queue at your polling station, you’ll still be able to vote as long as you joined the queue before 10pm.
Your polling station where you can vote from is listed on the polling card that you should have received in the post
When you get your polling station, tell the polling station staff (or poll clerk) your name, or give them your poll card. You don’t need your poll card to vote, but it can help to speed up the process.
The staff will then give you a ballot paper listing the candidates you can vote for. You might be given more than one ballot paper if there is more than one election taking place in your local area on the same day.
Take your ballot paper (or papers) to a polling booth, so that you can cast your vote in secret.
Read the instructions on the ballot paper carefully. Some elections use different voting methods, so you need to make sure you fill in each ballot paper correctly.
Complete your ballot paper using the pencil provided in the polling booth. You can also use your own pen if you want to. Don’t write anything else on the paper, or your vote may not be counted.
If you make a mistake, don’t put your ballot paper in the ballot box. Ask the polling station staff for a replacement ballot paper, and fill it in again.
Once you’re done, fold your completed ballot paper and put it in the ballot box.
Voting in person at a polling station will be a bit different this year in order to help keep everyone safe:
A face covering– you will need to wear a face covering when you go in to the polling station, unless you are exempt.
Hand sanitiser– this will be available at the entrance/exit of polling stations. Make sure that you use it before and after you cast your vote.
Your own pen or pencil– it is advisable to bring your own pen or pencil this year. Don’t worry, if you forget there will be clean pencils available.
Keep your distance– social distancing measures will be in place and will be well signposted. It might mean that you have to queue so please factor this in to your plans and leave extra time.
In certain circumstances, where you have an emergency that means you can’t vote in person, you can apply for an emergency proxy.
This must be something that you weren’t aware of before the normal proxy vote deadline, such as a medical emergency, being away for work, and being told to self-isolate as a result of either contracting Covid-19 or being in contract with someone who has.
These applications can be made up to 5pm on polling day and your proxy will then cast the vote that you would have made for you.
WHAT ELECTIONS ARE TAKING PLACE?
DEVON, CORNWALL AND THE ISLES OF SCILLY
Everyone in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly will also have the chance to elect a Police and Crime Commissioner for the region.
That election will take place on Thursday, May 6, with candidates from the Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats and Green Party standing.
The election Police and Crime Commissioner for the region would normally serve a four year term, but will instead only serve a three year term to ensure the return to the usual electoral cycle.
DEVON COUNTY COUNCIL
Everyone in Devon also have the chance to elect their representative(s) for Devon County Council for the next four years.
The 2021 Devon County Council elections scheduled for Thursday, May 6, 2021, will take place as usual.
The entirety of the 60-strong council will be up for re-election, with 56 ‘single-member’ Electoral Divisions and 2 ‘two-member’ Divisions’.
The current composition of the council consists of 41 Conservatives, 6 Labour, 6 Liberal Democrats, 4 Independents, 1 Green Party, 1 East Devon Alliance and 1 North Devon Liberal.
All elected councillors will serve their usual four year term upon their election.
EAST DEVON DISTRICT COUNCIL
A by-election will take place in the Whimple & Rockbeare Ward on May 6 following the resignation of Cllr Kathy McLachlan, with the winner serving a two year term.
The current composition of the council is Conservative (20), East Devon Alliance (13), Independents (16), Liberal Democrats (7), Green Party (2), and two seats vacant, with the council run by a coalition of the EDA, Lib Dems, Greens and some Independents
A by-election in the Honiton St Michael’s ward following the resignation of Cllr Luke Jeffery will be held at a later date after his resignation occurred after the notice of elections for May 6 were published.
EXETER CITY COUNCIL
The delayed 2020 Exeter City Council elections due on May 7, 2020 will take place on May 6, 2021.
Each elected councillor would normally be appointed for a four year term, with a third of the 39 seats contested each year (one seat per ward).
The 13 candidates whose seats will be up for grabs are those who gained the most votes in the 2016 elections, with Labour defending 10 seats, the Conservatives two, and Independents one, but the newly elected councillors will instead only serve a three year term to ensure the return to the usual electoral cycle.
Voters in the Mincinglake and Whipton will elected two councillors – with the person receiving the most votes serving a three year term and the runner-up a one year term – with a by-election also taking place following the death of a serving councillor.
The current make-up of the council is Labour (26), Conservative (6), Liberal Democrat (2), Independent (2), Green Party (1), Vacant (2), with Labour needing to win four of the 14 seats up for grabs to retain control of the council.
MID DEVON DISTRICT COUNCIL
Three by-elections for seats on Mid Devon District Council will take place on Thursday, May 6, 2021, following the deaths of two serving councillors and the resignation of a third.
Voters in the Castle, Taw and Westexe wards will go to the polls for the by-election, with the winner serving a two year term on the council.
The current composition of the council is Conservative (17), Liberal Democrats (11), Independent (9), Green Party (2), with three vacant seats.
SOUTH HAMS DISTRICT COUNCIL
One by-election for a seat on South Hams District Council will take place on Thursday, May 6, 2021, following the death of a serving councillor.
Voters in the Ivybridge West ward will go to the polls for the by-election, with the winner serving a two year term on the council.
The by-election will determine the official status of the council, with the death of Cllr David May meaning that the Conservative’s majority was lost with the council back under no overall control, although the Conservatives are still the ruling party.
The current composition of the council is Conservatives (15), Liberal Democrats (10), Independent (3), Green (2), and vacant (1)
TORBAY COUNCIL
One by-election for a seat on Torbay Council will take place on Thursday, May 6, 2021, following the death of a serving councillor.
Voters in the Clifton-with-Maidenway ward will go to the polls for the by-election, with the winner serving a two year term on the council.
The current composition of Torbay Council is Conservative (14), Liberal Democrats (11) and Independents (10), with one seat vacant.
TOWN AND PARISH COUNCILS
Colyton (2 vacancies)
Exmouth Town (1)
Exmouth Littleham (1)
Honiton St Michaels (5)
Honiton St Pauls (4)
Lympstone (7)
Newton Poppleford (Harpford) (1)
Sidmouth East (1)
Sidmouth Salcombe Regis (1)
Sidmouth South (2)
Lapford (2)
Tiverton Castle (1)
Tiverton Lowman (2)
Tiverton Westexe (1)
Berrynarbor (1)
Combe Martin (1)
Lynton and Lynmouth (2)
Ilfracombe West (1)
Dartmouth Clifton (5)
Dartmouth Townstal (1)
Modbury (1)
Stoke Gabriel (3)
Marldon (2)
Chudleigh (3)
Newton Abbot Bradley (1)
Teignmouth Central (1)
Teignmouth West (1)
Holsworthy (2)
Lamerton (5)
Sampford Courtenay (2)
NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN REFERENDUMS
Farringdon
Otterton
Newton Poppleford
Cullompton
Aveton Gifford
South Huish
Strete
Kingswear
Kingston
Great Torrington
Winkleigh
Highampton
North Tawton
WHO IS STANDING FOR ELECTION?
Here is the list of candidates standing for the PCC, Devon County Council, and district council elections. An * after the name denotes they are the sitting elected official.
POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER FOR DEVON, CORNWALL AND THE ISLES OF SCILLY
Brian Blake (Liberal Democrats)
Gareth Derrick (Labour)
Alison Hernandez (Conservatives) *
Stuart Jackson (Green Party)
DEVON COUNTY COUNCIL
EAST DEVON
Axminster
Ian Hall (Conservatives) *
Paul Hayward (East Devon Alliance)
Jules Hoyles (Liberal Democrats)
Oliver Tucker (Labour)
Broadclyst (2 councillors to be elected)
Ellis Davies (Labour)
Peter Faithfull (Independent)
Henry Gent (Green Party)
Tom Hobson (Conservatives)
Mathieu Holladay (Labour)
Jamie Kemp (Liberal Democrats)
Sara Randall Johnson (Conservatives) *
Exmouth (2 councillors to be elected)
Tim Dumper (Liberal Democrats)
Josie Parkhouse (Labour)
Michael Rosser (Green Party)
Richard Scott (Conservatives) *
Jeff Trail (Conservatives) *
Joe Whibley (Independent)
Daniel Wilson (Labour)
Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton Coastal
Brian Bailey (Independent)
Christine Channon (Conservatives) *
Keith Edwards (Labour)
Brigitte Graham (UKIP)
David Hayward (Reform UK)
David Ireson (Green Party)
Penny Lewis (Liberal Democrats)
Feniton and Honiton
Jake Bonetta (Labour)
Cathy Connor (Liberal Democrats)
Phil Twiss (Conservatives) *
Otter Valley
Jess Bailey (Independent)
Steve Bloomfield (Labour)
Luke Gray (Green Party)
Charlie Hobson (Conservatives)
Jake Slee (Liberal Democrats)
Seaton and Colyton
Paul Blackmore (Freedom Alliance)
Marcus Hartnell (Conservatives)
Angela Marynicz (The Democratic Network)
Martin Shaw (East Devon Alliance) *
George Tomkins (Labour)
Martyn Wilson (Liberal Democrats)
Sidmouth
Stuart Hughes (Conservatives) *
Louise MacAllister (East Devon Alliance)
Colin Mills (Labour)
Whimple and Blackdown
Iain Chubb (Conservatives) *
Wes Healey (Green Party)
Karen Hoyles (Liberal Democrats)
Liz Pole (Labour)
EXETER
Alphington and Cowick
Yvonne Atkinson (Labour) *
Julyan Levy (Green Party)
Katherine New (Conservatives)
Rod Ruffle (Liberal Democrats)
Duryard and Pennsylvania
Bea Gare (Women’s Equality Party)
Michael Mitchell (Liberal Democrats)
Rich Parker (Green Party)
Percy Prowse (Conservatives) *
Martyn Snow (Labour)
Exwick and St Thomas
Lee Gillett (Conservatives)
Rob Hannaford (Labour) *
Jamie Lynde (Green Party)
Frankie Rufolo (For Britain Movement)
Maya Skelton (Liberal Democrats)
Heavitree and Whipton Barton
Danny Barnes (Labour)
Alfie Carlisle (Conservatives)
Debbie Frayne (For Britain Movement)
Lily James (Liberal Democrats)
Lizzie Woodman (Green Party)
Pinhoe and Mincinglake
Tracy Adams (Labour)
Paula Fernley (Green Party)
John Harvey (Conservatives)
Kate Jago (Independent)
Henry Mayall (Liberal Democrats)
St David’s and Haven Banks
Andrew Bell (Green Party)
Arden Foster-Spink (Conservatives)
Joel Hambly (Liberal Democrats)
Carol Whitton (Labour) *
St SIdwell’s and St James
Sue Aves (Labour) *
Johanna Korndorfer (Green Party)
Kevin Mitchell (Liberal Democrats)
David Moore (Conservatives)
Wearside and Topsham
Christine Campion (Liberal Democrats)
Helen Dallimore (Labour)
Andrew Leadbetter (Conservatives) *
Jon Mills (Green Party)
Wonford and St Loye’s
Marina Asvachin (Labour) *
Jack Eade (Green Party)
Peter Holland (Conservative)
Kris Mears (Liberal Democrats)
MID DEVON
Crediton
Martin Binks (Conservative)
Elin Bold (Labour)
Christopher Hurley (Freedom Alliance)
Frank Letch (Liberal Democrats)
Creedy Taw and Mid Exe
Ann Conway (Freedom Alliance)
Paul Edwards (Green Party)
Margaret Squires (Conservatives) *
Thomas Stephenson (Labour)
David Wilson (Liberal Democrats)
Cullompton and Bradninch
John Berry (Conservatives) *
Andrea Glover (Liberal Democrats)
Edward Southerden (Labour)
Hannah Watson (Green Party)
Tiverton East
Jason Chamberlain (Labour)
Matt Farrell (Liberal Democrats)
Andrew Perris (Independent)
Colin Slade (Conservatives) *
Tiverton West
Richard Chesterton (Conservatives)
Trevor Cope (Green Party)
Ana Hendy (Independent)
Peter Hill (Labour)
Willand and Uffculme
Simon Clist (Liberal Democrats)
Fiona Hutton (Labour)
Charles Kay (Freedom Alliance)
Ray Radford (Conservatives) *
Adam Rich (Green Party)
NORTH DEVON
Barnstaple North
John Agnew (Labour)
Robbie Mack (Green Party)
Rob Pet (Freedom Alliance)
Ian Roome (Liberal Democrats)
Natasha Vukic (Conservatives)
Barnstaple South
Lou Goodger (Green Party)
Philip Hawkins (Labour)
David Hoare (Conservative)
Josie Knight (Freedom Alliance)
Caroline Leaver (Liberal Democrats)
David Luggar (Independent)
Braunton Rural
Mark Cann (Labour)
Stewart Johnstone (Freedom Alliance)
Pru Maskell (Conservatives)
David Relph (Green Party)
Liz Spear (Liberal Democrats)
Chulmleigh and Landkey
Valerie Cann (Labour)
Paul Henderson (Conservatives)
Turtle Knight (Freedom Alliance)
Glyn Lane (Independent)
Philip Mason (Independent)
Victoria Nel (Liberal Democrats)
Nick Withers (Green Party)
Combe Martin Rural
Katherine Armitage (Freedom Alliance)
Oliver Bell (Labour)
Andrea Davis (Conservatives) *
Julie Hunt (Liberal Democrats)
Steven White (Green Party)
Fremington Rural
Frank Biederman (Independent) *
Stephen Jarvis (Green Party)
Finola Oneill (Labour)
Scott Paddon (Conservatives)
Paddy Sullivan (Freedom Alliance)
Helen Walker (Liberal Democrats)
Ilfracombe
Cecily Blyther (Labour)
Paul Crabb (Conservatives) *
Syed Jusef (Liberal Democrats)
Lesley Mason (Freedom Alliance)
Netti Pearson (Green Party)
South Molton
Steve Cotton (Independent)
Steven Hinchcliffe (Labour)
Gill Saunders (Green Party)
Val Schenn (Freedom Alliance)
Alex White (Liberal Democrats)
Jeremy Yabsley (Conservatives) *
SOUTH HAMS
Bickleigh and Wembury
John Hart (Conservatives) *
Christopher Oram (Liberal Democrats)
Edward Parsons (Labour)
Emma Relph (Freedom Alliance)
Win Scutt (Green Party)
Dartmouth and Marldon
Carlo Bragagnolo (Reform UK)
Lynn Gunnigle (Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition)
Jonathan Hawkins (Conservatives) *
Kevin John (Labour)
Christian Parkes (Freedom Alliance)
Simon Rake (Liberal Democrats)
Ivybridge
Victor Abbott (Liberal Democrats)
Roger Croad (Conservatives) *
Simon Gedye (Freedom Alliance)
David Trigger (Labour)
Kingsbridge
Julian Brazil (Liberal Democrats) *
Peter Burgess (Freedom Alliance)
Samantha Dennis (Conservatives)
Paul Furlong (Labour)
Bettina Rixon (Green Party)
Salcombe
Jonno Barrett (Labour)
Jim Blake (Freedom Alliance)
Rufus Gilbert (Conservatives) *
Mark Lawrence (Liberal Democrats)
Lily Rixon (Green Party)
South Brent and Yealmpton
Paul Bishop (Labour)
Richard Hosking (Conservatives) *
James Sandy (Freedom Alliance)
Daniel Thomas (Liberal Democrats)
Totnes and Dartington
Jill Hannam (Labour)
Jacqi Hodgson (Green Party) *
Stephen Hopwood (Freedom Alliance)
Jame Rogers (Conservatives)
TEIGNBRIDGE
Ashburton and Buckfastleigh
Su Maddock (Labour)
John Nutley (Liberal Democrats)
Sarah Parker-Khan (Conservatives)
Andy Williamson (Green Party)
Bovey Rural
George Gribble (Conservatives) *
Eoghan Kelly (Independent)
Sally Morgan (Liberal Democrats)
Anna Presland (Green Party)
Lisa Robillard Webb (Labour)
Chudleigh and Teign Valley
Jerry Brook (Conservatives) *
Richard Keeling (Liberal Democrats)
Emily Simcock (Green Party)
Rick Webb (Labour)
Dawlish
Bruce Mattock (Trade Unionist and Social Coalition)
Noel Nickless (Conservatives)
Linda Petherick (Independent)
Jeff Pocock (Labour)
Richard Ward (Reform UK)
Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrats)
Exminster and Haldon
Alan Connett (Liberal Democrats) *
Lucy Rockcliffe (Green Party)
Bhav Studley (Labour)
Dudley Swain (Independent)
Terry Tume (Conservatives)
Ipplepen and the Kerswells
Chris Clarance (Conservatives)
Alistair Dewhirst (Liberal Democrats) *
John Hodgson (Labour)
Graham Read (Green Party)
Jane Taylor (Independent)
Kingsteignton and Teign Estuary
Andrew McGregor (Liberal Democrats)
James Osben (Trade Unionist and Social Coalition)
Ron Peart (Conservatives) *
Christopher Robillard (Labour)
Newton Abbot North
Phil Bullivant (Conservatives)
Ryan Hall (Trade Unionist and Social Coalition)
Liam Mullone (Independent)
Lesley Robson (Labour)
Eloise Rokirilov (Liberal Democrats)
Newton Abbot South
Janet Bradford (Independent)
John Fitzsimons (Labour)
Jane Haden (Trade Unionist and Social Coalition)
Alex Hall (Conservatives)
Colin Parker (Liberal Democrats)
Doug Pratt (Green Party)
Teignmouth
Sean Brogan (Trade Unionist and Social Coalition)
David Cox (Liberal Democrats)
Jackie Jackson (Labour)
Sylvia Russell (Conservatives) *
TORRIDGE
Bideford East
Annie Brenton (Labour)
James Craigie (Independent)
Will Douglas-Mann (Green Party)
Jude Gubb (Independent)
Linda Hellyer (Conservatives) *
Stephen Potts (Liberal Democrats)
Bideford West and Hartland
Dylan Billson (Labour)
Bert Bruins (Liberal Democrats)
Keith Funnell (Green Party)
Joel Herron (Independent)
Tony Inch (Independent) *
Paul Jelf (Freedom Alliance)
Robin Julian (Independent)
Jeffrey Wilton-Love (Conservatives)
Northam
David Chalmers (Liberal Democrats)
Leonard Ford (Independent)
Simon Mathers (Green Party)
Dermot McGeough (Conservatives)
Jake McLean (Labour)
Holsworthy Rural
Claire Davey-Potts (Liberal Democrats)
Jim Lowe (Labour)
James Morrish (Conservatives)
Cathrine Simmons (Green Party)
Pete Watson (Independent)
Torrington Rural
Chris Bright (Liberal Democrats)
Ruth Funnell (Green Party)
Andrew Saywell (Conservatives) *
Siobhan Stride (Labour)
WEST DEVON
Hatherleigh and Chagford
Lynn Daniel (Green Party)
George Dexter (Liberal Democrats)
James McInnes (Conservatives) *
Matt Morton (Reform UK)
Douglas Smith (Labour)
Okehampton Rural
Terry Edwards (Labour)
Patrick Gilbert (Liberal Democrats)
Tony Leech (Independent)
Bob Rush (Reform UK)
Lois Samuel (Conservatives)
Brian Wood (Green Party)
Tavistock
Mandy Ewings (Independent)
Chris Jordan (Green Party)
Debo Sellis (Conservatives) *
Mike Sparling (Labour)
Pete Squire (Liberal Democrats)
Yelverton Rural
Judy Maciejowksa (Green Party)
Tony Marchese (Labour)
Mark Renders (Independent)
Philip Sanders (Conservatives) *
Ashley-Ross West (Liberal Democrats)
EXETER CITY COUNCIL
Alphington
Julyan Levy (Green Party)
Katherine New (Conservatives)
Rod Ruffle (Liberal Democrats)
Steve Warwick (Labour) *
Duryard and St James
Will Aczel (Liberal Democrats)
Bea Gare (Women’s Equality Party)
Aric Gilinsky (Conservatives)
Martin Pearce (Labour)
Exwick
Phil Bialyk (Labour) *
Kayleigh Luscombe (Conservatives)
Jamie Lynde (Green Party)
Maya Skelton (Liberal Democrats)
Heavitree
Alfie Carlisle (Conservatives)
Barbara Denning (Labour)
Catherine Rees (Green Party)
Mincinglake and Whipton (2 seats due to one vacancy)
Naima Allcock (Labour)
David Barker-Hahlo (Green Party)
Edward Barradell (Conservatives)
Felix Breet (Liberal Democrats)
Emma Morse (Labour) *
Joseph Straker (Conservatives)
Newton and St Leonard’s
Richard Branston (Labour) *
Dan Grey (Green Party)
George Smith (Conservatives)
Pennsylvania
Samuel Barnett (Conservatives)
Zion Lights (Labour)
Nigel Williams (Liberal Democrats)
Pinhoe
David Harvey (Labour) *
John Harvey (Conservatives)
Henry Mayall (Liberal Democrats)
Lynn Wetenhall (Green Party)
Priory
Alys Martin (Labour) *
Joel Punwani (Liberal Democrats)
Charles Russett (Green Party)
James Taghdissian (Conservatives)
St Thomas
Ashley Carr (Conservatives)
Adrian Fullam (Liberal Democrats)
Rob Hannaford (Labour) *
Paul Mouland (Independent)
Frankie Rufolo (For Britain Movement)
St Davids
Arden Foster-Spink (Conservatives)
Amy Sparling (Green Party)
Carol Whitton (Labour)
St Loye’s
Jack Eade (Green Party)
Olwen Foggin (Labour) *
Debbie Frayne (For Britain Movement)
Anne Jobson (Conservatives)
Kris Mears (Liberal Democrats)
Topsham
Christine Campion (Liberal Democrats)
Ivan Jordan (Labour)
Andrew Leadbetter (Conservatives) *
Jon Mills (Green Party)
EAST DEVON DISTRICT COUNCIL
Whimple and Rockbeare
Richard Lawrence (Conservatives)
Todd Olive (Liberal Democrats)
MID DEVON DISTRICT COUNCIL
Castle
Richard Cornley (Labour)
Jason Lejeune (Independent)
Elizabeth Slade (Conservative)
David Wulff (Liberal Democrats)
Taw
Peter Heal (Conservatives)
Mark Wooding (Liberal Democrats)
Westexe
Stephen Bush (Independent)
Claire Hole (Independent)
Adrian Howell (Independent)
Samuel James (Labour)
Stephen Pugh (Conservatives)
Rosie Wibberley (Green Party)
SOUTH HAMS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Ivybridge West
Louise Jones (Conservatives)
Tony Rea (Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition)
Katie Reville (Green Party)
TORBAY COUNCIL
Clifton with Maidenway
John Fellows (Conservatives)
Cat Johns (Liberal Democrats)
Sue Kenning (Green)
Andy Symons (Labour)
WHEN WILL I KNOW THE RESULTS?
The Devon County Council, plus the district council by-elections, will be verifying the votes on Thursday, May 6, from 10pm, once polling stations closed.
They will then being the counting at 10am on Friday, May 7, for the Devon County Council elections, with the hope that results will be declared by around 2pm on Friday.
Exeter City Council will start the counting process at 2pm on Friday, May 7, with the hope that they will declare the result at around 5pm
The Police and Crime Commissioner count will begin at 9.30am on Monday, May 10, with a result expected by around 1pm if a candidate wins in the first round, or by 5pm if a second round is required.