Claire Wright polled more votes than any other candidate in East Devon as she swept to victory in yesterday’s county elections.

The independent scored more than 70 per cent of the turnout in the Ottery St Mary Rural ward, beating Conservative candidate Chris Wale into a distant second.

For more results and reaction to the Devon County Council elections see the Sidmouth Herald website.

Full Results:

Chris Wale (Conservative) – 522

Andrew Blackwell (Labour) – 124

John Kelly (UKIP) – 382

Claire Wright (Independent) – 2,970

Turnout 43.63 per cent