THEY say four years in politics is a long time and during this past term of Devon County Council there has been a general election which saw the Liberal Democrats jump into bed with the Conservatives.

The coalition has had a bumpy ride, particularly with the latest changes to the benefit system and the NHS, and often the national trend is reflected in the voting in local elections.

On Thursday the electorate across Devon goes to the polls in the county council elections – there are more than 300 candidates fighting for the 62 seats in county hall.