So very grateful

I wish to express my sincere gratitude to all the generous people who gave up their time to help me in the Devon County Council elections.

I am thrilled to report that I have been elected with 2,970 votes – and a 74 per cent share of the vote.

Dozens of people trudged from house to house over the past few weeks, pushing my leaflets through letterboxes, which helpfully allowed myself and Roger Giles more time to knock at people’s doors to chat and pick up concerns and issues.

Others patiently stood outside polling stations wearing my rather garish orange rosette and a smile!

After talking to hundreds of people during that time it is clear that a really big issue for residents in Ottery Rural is the amount of development proposed in the area and the Government’s continuing determination to weaken the planning system. I will of course, continue my efforts to limit this and press the Government to change its reckless policies on planning.

My biggest thanks of all goes to Councillor Roger Giles, who has been a tower of support and advice over the past few months and years. It will be hard to live up to his considerable legacy, but I will do my best!

Claire Wright

Independent East Devon District and Devon County Councillor

Ottery St Mary Rural Ward