North Devon Council leader re-elected for a new term

The leader of North Devon Council has been re-elected to serve as the district council’s leader for a new term.

Councillor David Clayton, the Liberal Democrat councillor for Barnstaple with Westacott, was reinstalled in the role he took over last July and he will serve for 2025-26.

Cllr Clayton took over as leader when Barnstaple councillor Ian Roome stepped down when he became MP for North Devon. Mr Roome has since resigned from the council because he said it was not possible to hold both roles due to the time needed.

A former history teacher from Oldham, Cllr Clayton has been a member of North Devon Council since 2023. Before moving to Devon he was a councillor in Rochdale for 12 years.

At the full council meeting he was proposed by Cllr Peter Leaver, who said it was Important to keep continuity going as the authority goes through local government reorganisation.

“In terms of representing the council he has, with our chief executive, been a strong voice for the people of North Devon,” said Cllr Leaver.

Cllr Clayton said it had been an honour and privilege to serve as leader and he had enjoyed it. He praised chief executive Ken Miles and officers of the council who ‘make my job somewhat easier’.

Cllr Leaver was re-elected as deputy leader, while council chair Cllr Helen Walker and deputy chair Cllr David Worden will also serve another year in those roles.