East Devon Conservatives have selected Seaton ward councillor Marcus Hartnell to lead the opposition group at East Devon District Council (EDDC).

At the annual council meeting on Wednesday, May 24 the Conservatives, now with 17 councillors following the local elections in May, were confirmed as the formal opposition of the Democratic Alliance, made up of Liberal Democrats, Green Party members and some indpendents.

Cllr Hartnell has represented Seaton at EDDC since 2015 and takes on the role previously held by Philip Skinner, who had represented Tale Vale.

The deputy leader of the group has been named as Cllr Ben Ingham, former leader of EDDC, who represents Woodbury and Lympstone.

Speaking after the annual meeting, Cllr Hartnell said: "I look forward to working with councillor colleagues across the political spectrum.

"As the formal opposition we will hold the Liberal Democrat-led Democratic Alliance to account and scrutinise decisions to ensure residents of East Devon are getting best value for their council tax."

The Scrutiny Committee will be chaired by Cllr Mike Goodman, the newly-elected Conservative member for Sidmouth Sidford.

Cllr Goodman has previously campaigned for lower car park charges in Sidmouth.

Cllr Hartnell added: "Mike will be an excellent chair of scrutiny and will leave no stone unturned, ensuring decisions taken by EDDC cabinet are in the best interests of both residents and businesses."