Local Elections 2023: Axminster's Tory councillor loses seat to independents

The first of East Devon District Council election results have been declared, with Axminster's Conservative councillor losing his seat to independents. 

Axminster was one of the first ward areas of East Devon District Council (EDDC) to declare a result following yesterday's elections. 

Ian Hall, who has represented the town as a Conservative member of EDDC for eight years, has lost his seat with three independent candidates topping the poll.

Paul Hayward, who previously represented the Yarty ward on EDDC and is also Axminster town clerk, topped the poll with 1,219 votes, followed by existing independent district councillor for Axminster Sarah Jackson (1,065), and newcomer Simon Smith, known locally for his work at the Community Waffle House (893). 

Mr Hall came fourth in the poll with 801 votes. He will continue to serve as Axminster's representative on Devon County Council, which did not hold elections yesterday, where he is currently chair of the council.

Other candidates polled as follows: Steve Holt (Conservative) - 544; Gillian Jordan (Liberal Democrats) - 531; David Willey (Conservative) - 420; Jeremy Walden (Labour) - 395.

Axminster's other former Conservative councillor Andrew Moulding did not seek re-election.

A total of 2,208 ballot papers were issued in the Axminster ward from a total electorate of 6,352, with six rejected ballot papers. This amounts to a turnout of 34.7 per cent. 

Existing Coly Valley councillors hold on to seats

Coly Valley has also declared its election results, with existing councillors Paul Arnott and Helen Parr holding on to their seats. 

Cllr Arnott, who served as leader of the EDDC under the Democratic Alliance, switched his allegiance to the Liberal Democrats ahead of yesterday's election, and topped the poll with 959 votes. 

Conservative Cllr Parr came second with 845 while fellow Conservative candidate John Tristram missing out on a seat with 567 votes.

A total of 1,669 ballot papers were issued in the Coly Valley from an electorate of 3,924 with 17 ballot papers rejected, equating to a turnout of 42.5 per cent.

Click here for results in the Trinity ward

Click here for results in the Newbridges and Yarty wards