FOUR candidates are to run in a Mid Devon by-election prompted by a councillor’s decision to step down.

Stuart Penny, a former Conservative councillor, has decided he can no longer represent the Upper Yeo and Taw ward for Mid Devon District Council because of personal reasons.

The candidates for the vote on Thursday, March 7 are Peter Heal (Conservative), Mark Scotland (Green Party), Hayden Sharp (Labour), and Alex White (Liberal Democrat).

The authority is led by the Liberal Democrats at present, with the party holding 32 seats out of 42.

For anyone who cannot attend a polling station, applications to vote by emergency proxy must reach the electoral registration office at Phoenix House, Pheonix Lane, Tiverton, by 5pm on the day of the ballot.

Bradley Gerrard

Local Democracy Reporting Service