The Liberal Democrats have retained their seats in local elections in Exmouth, which took place yesterday (Thursday, March 1).

Exmouth Journal: Alex Sadiq, the Liberal Democrat candidate for the town council by electionAlex Sadiq, the Liberal Democrat candidate for the town council by election (Image: Archant)

But an independent candidate came very close to beating the Liberal Democrats, missing out on a seat on the district council by only 11 votes.

The two elections were held yesterday in Exmouth Town Ward for seats on East Devon District Council (EDDC) and Exmouth Town Council.

The election was called for the Exmouth Town ward seat after Pat Graham stepped down in November 2017 due to concerns for her health.

Five candidates were put forward for Mrs Graham’s district council seat.

Tim Dumper (Liberal Democrats) won the seat with 187 votes. Daphne J. Currier (Independent) was second with 176 votes, followed by Tony Hill (Conservative Party) with 142, Dilys M Hadley (Labour Party) with 86 and Robert N Masding (Green Party) with 71. The turnout was 12.4 per cent.

In the town council ward seat, there were four candidates.

Alex Sadiq (Liberal Democrats) won with 252 votes. Aurora E Bailey(Conservative Party) was second with 156 votes, followed by Oliver Davey (Green Party) with 152 votes and Dilys M Hadley (Labour Party) with 96 votes.

The turnout was 12.4 per cent.

It is thought the poor weather may have affected the turnout, which was quite low.

At the Exmouth Town Council elections of May 7, 2015 - in which Mrs Graham was elected for the town ward seat, taking 1,025 votes - the overall turnout was 63 per cent.

“There is no legal power to postpone polling day because of inclement weather,” said an EDDC spokesperson. “Unfortunately the weather undoubtedly played a part in discouraging voters from attending their polling stations.”