Asburton and Buckfastleigh

John NUTLEY (LIB DEM) 1420

Huw COX (LIB) 996

Sarah PARKER-KHAN (CON) 984

Jack MAJOR (LIB DEM) 960

Andy STOKES (LAB) 795

Charlie DENNIS (CON) 656

Shane FLEMING (CON) 563

Anne GOULBORN (LAB) 530

Philip VOGEL (IND) 497

Patrick HOWARD (LAB) 407

Sylvee PHILLIPS (IND) 351

Zoe ELLIS (IND) 177

James DENNIS 132

IT was a hard fought contest at Ashburton and Buckfastleigh with 13 candidates fighting for three seats. Charlie Dennis lost his seat of eight years.

In a very close run to the top, the three declared winners were John Nutley (returned candidate), Sarah Parker-Kahn and Huw Cox. Parker-Kahn and Cox replaced Charlie Dennis and Stuart Barker (who didn’t run).

Cllr Cox said: ‘I didn’t expect a win but we worked hard on the campaign and I think we’re more local and do stuff for local people.

‘I think we’re more down to earth than anyone else. I’m looking forward to working on the district council – my wife says I’m a bit scruffy so I’m going to have to buy some new clothes now!’

Cllr Parker-Khan said: ‘I’m surprised and very pleased to be voted on to the district council.

‘It was a hard fought campaign all round. I’m really pleased all the candidates conducted themselves with dignity.

‘It was a hard run campaign run on national issues that have really impacted our local area.

‘I’ve always been about representing my community. I congratulate the other candidates and hope we can work well together

Cllr Nutley added: ‘I am very pleased with the result and so happy for my colleague Huw Cox.

‘I do feel a bit for Charlie Dennis as he has worked hard. There have been some big shocks today including Jeremy Christophers losing his seat. I will continue to help residents for the next four years.’

Defeated Charlie Dennis said he wasn’t overly disappointed with losing his seat.

‘I would’ve liked to have been re-elected as I consider that I have done a good job over the last eight years,’ he said.

Cllr Dennis said he wasn’t surprised that leader Jeremy Christophers had been booted out of office as his opponents had launched an ‘unjustified and very negative’ campaign.