Claire Wright to stand down in county council elections

The Devon County councillor for Otter Valley, Claire Wright, has announced that she won't be standing for re-election in May.

She has endorsed the Independent district councillor for West Hill and Aylesbeare, Jess Bailey, to contest the seat in her stead.

All 60 county council seats are up for re-election on May 6.

The council currently consists of 42 Conservatives, seven Labour, six Liberal Democrats, two Independents, one Green Party, one East Devon Alliance and one North Devon Liberal.

Cllr Wright, who was elected to the council in 2013, said: "My decision to stand aside may come as a surprise to people. However, I have quietly been considering my position for some time and although it has been an honour and privilege to serve my community in this way, it is now time to step aside.

"It was in recent days and after much contemplation that I reached the decision that now is the right time to pursue other career opportunities."

The new Ottery Valley candidate, Jess Bailey, was elected as an Independent to East Devon District Council in May 2019 and has served on Ottery St Mary Town Council and West Hill Parish Council for seven years.

She said: "I am very honoured to be endorsed by Claire as her potential successor. It is by no means guaranteed that I will be elected though, and in the coming weeks I will be working hard to understand the issues across the Otter Valley Ward.

"It will of course be a different kind of election due to Covid and whilst it may not be possible to speak to people on the doorstep in the 'normal' way I will be doing all that I can to communicate with residents."

The full list of candidates standing in the Devon County Council elections will be published no later than 4pm on Friday, April 9.