Exmouth by-election on 14 March – what you need to know

THIS THURSDAY (14 March) a by-election has been called for Exmouth's Town Ward. This follows Lib Dem Councillor Will McConnell standing down. The candidates for the vacant position of town councillor are: Ian Brownbill (Liberal Democrat), Tim Cope (Independent), David Gwilliam (Labour) and Colin Rogers (Conservative)…

Exmouth Town Council has 25 members. The Conservatives currently hold a narrow majority with 13 seats, Lib Dems have 10, there's one Independent and a vacant seat.

The election is for residents of Exmouth's Town Ward only. If you have not received an official poll card through the post, you will not be eligible to vote. Polling hours are 7am-10pm at the polling station indicated on your poll card.

THE FOUR CANDIDATES

Ian Brownbill (Liberal Democrat), Chartered Surveyor:

"Having lived in Devon since childhood, I am now keen to support my local community. I went to school in Newton Abbot, but have lived here in Exmouth for the past nine years. I really enjoy living in the town and decided to bring my family here, taking advantage of the seaside location.

"I currently work in Exeter, having joined a design consultancy, where I am employed as a Chartered Quantity Surveyor. The work takes me through the South West, where I help build new schools and libraries. When I'm not working, I enjoy walking along the seafront and taking the children to the beach."

Tim Cope (Independent), Businessman:

"It is clear many people in Exmouth want another option, an alternative to the existing parties that stand for election.

"What is that option? May I suggest an independent candidate?

"In Exmouth there are two dominant parties – the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats.

"As an independent candidate, I would not have to follow a party line or vote in a block vote of the party. I would be able to put the views of the people who have concerns that affect them and their area.

"These I believe in the town are: parking, flooding, road safety and dog control. These are just a few of the things that I have been told. You as a voter should be able to have confidence in your local councillor to represent your views and concerns, not just the views and concerns of the party they represent."

David Gwilliam (Labour), Teacher:

"This town has given me so much; I trained as a teacher at Rolle College and have lived in Exmouth for more than 30 years, teaching in state schools in Exeter.

"In my spare time I have loved being part of the local music scene and I'm organizing a blues festival at this year's Exmouth Festival.

"I have also spoken out on issues ranging from dog control to heavy-handed planning. Now I would like to do more.

"I want to see Exmouth thrive and grow, but in a more sustainable way, with fresh ideas and more sensitivity towards local opinion.

"If elected, I would listen to and respect your concerns, fight tirelessly as a much-needed Labour voice for Exmouth and ensure it's a voice that is heard. Let's not moan after the event. This is our town and it's our responsibility to get its future right."

Colin Rogers (Conservative), local authorities, fire service and Met Office:

Colin worked for Devon County Council, producing efficiency savings within three councils, before moving to Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service to develop computer systems.

Eleven years ago Colin moved to the Met Office before retiring. He now works part-time for a large retailer in Exmouth.

Colin says he's keen to see Exmouth develop to encourage traditional tourism and employment for local people. In particular, he'd like to see more done to support water sports enthusiasts and improve facilities for these all-year-round activities.

"It is vital – both in the town centre and the seafront – that changes are done with care, so that damage is not done to the many good things that we have," he says.

Polling day Thursday 14 March, 7am-10pm