Lib Dems take another seat on Torridge in district by-election

The Liberal Democrats have become the joint largest group on Torridge District Council after winning the Milton and Tamarside by-election on Thursday (October 23).

Former mayor of Holsworthy Nigel Kenneally polled 428 votes, a 37.5% share of the vote, to beat John Watson of Reform UK into secodn place with 355 votes (31%).

The Conservative candidate Evan Williams polled 191 votes (17%), with independent Mark Marriott gaining 101 votes and Green Party candidate Tracey Beresford 67.

The by-election was called following the resignation of independent councillor Kit Hepple. Voter turnout for was 32.99%.

The result gives the Liberal Democrats 11 seats on the council, the same number held by the independent group. The Conservatives currently have five seats, the Greens four, Labour two and two councillors are listed as ‘non-aligned’.

The Milton and Tamarside ward has two seats, with council leader Ken James, who is an independent, occupying the other.

Speaking after his election, Mr Kenneally said: “I am very proud and honoured to have been elected as district councillor for Milton and Tamarside.

“I would like to thank the Lib Dem team without whose help and effort I wouldn't have been elected. I promise I will fight for every constituent of the ward and give 100% for the residents of Milton and Tamarside.”

READ NEXT: Lib Dems gain seat on Torridge council after Appledore by-election

Mr Kenneally, whose campaign enjoyed the support of Lib Dems from across the county and beyond, paid special tribute to Phil Hutty, Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Torridge and Tavistock, for his assistance.

Mr Hutty said: “This achievement comes less than 6 months after Reform took the county seat here last May and mirrors Lib Dem by-election gains across the country. We will continue to make the case for decent, compassionate politics, fair funding and better services for rural areas.”

Teresa Tinsley, Leader of the Liberal Democrat group on Torridge District Council, added: “Nigel will be a great representative for Milton and Tamarside. Everyone knows how genuine and helpful he is.

“Even on election day, he had to break off door-knocking to go and support a neighbour in trouble. Having Nigel on the council with us will make a real difference to what we can achieve for residents.”

Councillor Kenneally said that his first priority would be to safeguard the future of the multi-million pound Holsworthy Agri-Business Centre project, which has become stalled.

He said: “This represents a £7.3 million injection into the area and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to put our agricultural economy on the front foot.

“I’m determined that we get to reap the benefits in terms of jobs and opportunities locally.”

A further Torridge by-election will take place this year for the Winkleigh ward, following the resignation of Conservative councillor Simon Newton.