Election for new Sidmouth councillor delayed until 2021

Voters in Sidmouth will now get to elect a new councillor to represent Salcombe Regis on the town council after enough people came forward to request an election.

Any ten electors for the electoral area may give notice requesting that an election should be held to

fill such vacancy but due to the current pandemic the election will not be able to take place until May next year.

The vacancy came about after former councillor David Barratt resigned from the council due to personal reasons.

Sidmouth Town Clerk Christopher Holland said: "The Returning Officer has received the required signatures petitioning for an election for the casual vacancy for Salcombe Regis Ward of the Sidmouth Town Council arising from the resignation of David Barratt.

"Under current legislation a poll for this and the two other vacancies on Sidmouth Town Council (East and South Wards) cannot take place until 6 May 2021 as a result of the Local Government and Police and Crime Commissioner (Coronavirus) (Postponement of Elections and Referendums) (England and Wales) Regulations 2020 and the Coronavirus Act 2020."

David Barratt served on Sidmouth Town Council from 2010 including as Vice Chair of the Planning Committee. He also served on East Devon District Council up until the 2019 election.

Speaking earlier this month the Chair of Sidmouth Town Council, councillor Ian Barlow commented: "As fellow ward Member for Salcombe Regis, David worked hard for his electors and would always try and help where he could whether that was at town or District Level. He will very much be missed."