Voters in the Exmouth and Budleigh Coastal ward are set to go to the polls on May 6 to determine who should represent them for the next four years.

There is one county council seat available in the ward and here are the seven candidates hoping to win your support at the ballot box.

Brian Bailey (Independent)

Exmouth Journal: Independent candidate Brian Bailey who is standing in the Devon County Council electionsIndependent candidate Brian Bailey who is standing in the Devon County Council elections (Image: Brian Bailey)

"I grew up in Budleigh Salterton where I was on the Council for 18 years and Mayor in 2003. Moved to Exmouth in 2011 on Exmouth Town Council and Deputy Mayor. It would be an Honour to serve you on Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton Coastal as a Devon County Councillor. I would endeavour to improve Health and Social Care, affordable Housing would be a priority and Education. I am passionate about the Climate and Environment issues."

Christine Channon (Conservative Party)

Exmouth Journal: Christine Channon, Conservative Party candidate for the Devon County Council electionsChristine Channon, Conservative Party candidate for the Devon County Council elections (Image: Christine Channon)

Christine Channon moved to Budleigh Salterton in 1986. She has the experience of being a Devon County Councillor for the last 28 years and during that time she served as both Leader and Chairman. In 2017 she was elected for the new Exmouth/Budleigh Coastal Ward and has enjoyed trying to support the local residents to resolve highway problems, education and social care concerns, environmental issues and other more personal matters.

Keith Edwards (Labour Party)

Exmouth Journal: Keith Edwards, a Labour Party candidate in the Devon County Council electionsKeith Edwards, a Labour Party candidate in the Devon County Council elections (Image: Keith Edwards)

I am standing to give the people of Exmouth & Budleigh Salterton Coastal a real choice in selecting a counsellor who would stand up for the things that matter most. For example, health and social care services, housing, education, and transport that are vital to the wellbeing of the people of Devon. If elected I would listen carefully to the ideas and concerns and do my utmost to act on those issues.

Brigitte Graham (UKIP)

Exmouth Journal: Brigitte Graham is standing in the Devon County Council elections for UKIPBrigitte Graham is standing in the Devon County Council elections for UKIP (Image: Brigitte Graham)

As a resident of East Budleigh, I will listen to the needs and concerns of the residents of the constituency. I will oppose un-necessary house building, especially on green field sites, create a more integrated approach to social care in the community, support small business, and help them where possible to expand into new markets, promote proper road repair, strongly support the correct maintenance of our roadside verges and hedgerows.

David Hayward (Reform UK Party)

Exmouth Journal: David Hatyward will represent the Reform Party UK in the Devon County Council electionDavid Hatyward will represent the Reform Party UK in the Devon County Council election (Image: David Hayward)

David John Hayward, born and bred in Devon, age: 60, and standing for the Reform UK party, my aim: to listen, support, guide, and achieve the best for our local community, He said: "I have lived and worked in East Devon/Devon all of my life, experience within county council, local & town council, education, finance and business. Change politics for good, make sure to vote on May 6 as every vote counts."

David Ireson (Green Party)

Exmouth Journal: David Ireson, a Green Party candidate in the Devon County Council electionsDavid Ireson, a Green Party candidate in the Devon County Council elections (Image: David Ireson)

"It’s a privilege to be selected to represent the thousands in East Devon prepared to seek the good in others, and who value the environment: We belong to Nature, Nature does not belong to Us” The 1973 ‘Limits to Growth’ report, was largely ignored. COP26 this year could transform our lives. It is time to cherish far more all that is good about living in Devon. Our planet remains in crisis."

Penny Lewis (Liberal Democrats)

Exmouth Journal: Penny Lewis who is standing for the Liberal Democrats in the Devon County Council electionsPenny Lewis who is standing for the Liberal Democrats in the Devon County Council elections (Image: Penny Lewsi)

Penny is a strong advocate for all public and care services. As we come out of the pandemic, Penny believes we need to focus on supporting local retailers, businesses, and employment. She also wants to also get the basics right, like fixing the roads; initiatives to tackle climate change; and supporting young people. Penny is keen to be part of a fresh start for the County Council, one that gets Devon back on its feet.