PARISH councillor Kevin Smith is one of the six candidates lining up to fight for a vacant seat on Teignbridge Council.

The Liberal Democrat is one of the nominees in the upcoming by-election for the Kenn Valley ward.

Recently retired, Kevin has lived in Exminster for 10 years with his wife.

He said: ‘It’s where we’ve put down roots, and where I’ve worked hard to support our community.’

On Exminster Parish Council, he has served as both its chairman and vice-chairman as well as sitting on its Environment Working Group while also helping charities including Exminster Victory Hall and the Deepway Centre.

He said: ‘I’m standing because I believe Kenn Valley deserves a councillor who understands our villages and is ready to get things done.

‘I want to bring the same energy and experience from the parish council to representing us at district level.

‘I joined the parish council to make Exminster a better place to live.

'I’m standing for district council for exactly the same reason: to help make all our Kenn Valley villages better, fairer, and greener places to call home.’

The two sitting members on the district council for Kenn Valley are Lib Dems, Charles Nuttall and John Parrott.

Kevin added: ‘Our local success is no accident.

‘The Lib Dems have a track record of delivering change in Kenn Valley and Teignbridge by listening to residents, spending wisely, and keeping local taxes low.’

The by-election for the Teignbridge Council seat of Kenn Valley is being held on Thursday October 7.

The candidates are: Lucille BAKER, Conservative; Niall DUFFY, Labour; Kevin LAKE, Independent; Kevin SMITH, Liberal Democrats; Dudley SWAIN, Independent; Terry TUME, Reform UK and Scott WILLIAMS, Green Party.