‘I have been targeted as leader’ says former council chief.
OUTGOING East Devon District Council (EDDC) leader of ten years, Sara Randall Johnson, has lost her seat on the council in a shock poll result today.
Conservative Miss Randall Johnson missed out on being re-elected by just 25 votes.
A campaigner from West Hill scored a resounding victory in today’s elections for the Ottery St Mary Rural Ward.
Independent candidate Claire Wright, a leading figure in the Communities Before Developers protest group, netted 1,364 votes in the poll.
Conservative Tony Howard will also represent the ward after netting 822 votes.
Miss Randall Johnson said: “I’ve been targeted as leader. One thing I know clearly in my heart is the future of East Devon is a very bright one. I’m absolutely delighted with the result. After 20 years of public service I’ve got my life back.”
Labour’s Judith Blackwell (263 votes) missed out along with Miss Randall Johnson (797 votes)
A huge 62.3per cent of Ottery St Mary Rural Ward, which includes West Hill and Tipton St John, turned out to vote.
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