Local Elections 2023: Conservatives gain a seat in Seaton

The Conservatives have gained a seat on East Devon District Council (EDDC) in the Seaton ward.

The Seaton ward was previously served by two Independent East Devon Alliance councillors, and one Conservative – but this has flipped following yesterday's local elections, with two Conservatives and one independent winning seats.

Existing East Devon district councillor and former Mayor of Seaton, Daniel Ledger, topped the poll with 1,404 votes. He previously served as an Independent East Devon Alliance member but this time stood simply as an independent candidate.

Conservative Marcus Hartnell was also re-elected with 1,167, along with fellow Conservative candidate Derek 'Del' Haggerty with 858 votes.

Unsuccessful candidates included Liberal Democrat Steve Hunt with 770 votes and Labour Party member Honey Barlow Marshall with 494.

Seaton's other former Independent East Devon Alliance councillor Jack Rowland did not seek re-election.

A total of 2,150 ballot papers were issued out of an electorate of 5,908, with 12 ballot papers rejected, equating to a turnout of 36.3 per cent.

All three of the winning candidates also serve on Seaton Town Council and have been re-elected to the town council following yesterday's vote.

Independents hold Beer & Branscombe

In neighbouring Beer & Branscombe, independent candidate John Heath was elected with 431 votes.

He succeeds former independent councillor Geoff Pook, who did not seek re-election.

Mr Heath beat competition from Conservative Maria Hall with 170 votes, and Liberal Democrat Peter Burrows with 156.

A total of 763 ballot papers were issued out of an electorate of 2,108, with six ballot papers rejected, equating to a turnout of 36 per cent.

Click here for the results in Coly Valley and Axminster

Click here for the results in Trinity ward, which includes Axmouth, Rousdon & Combpyne and Uplyme.