LIBERAL Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey says his party has “a big mountain to climb” to take control of Devon County Council in the forthcoming local elections from the Conservatives but is “working hard” to make gains.

Speaking during a visit to The Big Sheep attraction near Bideford to flag up pressures in the South West tourism industry and boost the party’s chances in the north of the county, Sir Ed said he is “optimistic” after last year’s general election, when his party took six seats from the Conservatives in Devon.

The publicity attuned leader, known for his campaign trail stunts which last year which included paddleboarding and water slides, was not holding back at The Big Sheep where he, along with North Devon Liberal Democrat MP Ian Roome and seven local candidates, tried out the rollercoaster, giant jumping pillow trampolines and other attractions.

Although the general election result was the best in 100 years for the Liberal Democrats, its contingent during the last term of Devon County Council was nine councillors, with the Conservatives holding 38 seats. The Tories took control from the Lib Dems in 2009.

“We feel there is some momentum behind the result we had last July and there is a lot of support coming our way,” he said. “I have been talking to some our candidates here in Devon who have been knocking on doors, really campaigning hard.

“They tend to be people who are active in the community already and are getting really good feedback with lots of lifelong Conservatives saying they are switching to the Liberal Democrats and Labour voters who have been disappointed by the government switching to us too.”

He said road maintenance in Devon is “a massive issue”, as well as social care and a lack of dentists.

“Social care is really important for the council’s finances which have not been run very well under the Conservatives. All councils are strapped, not just Devon, but Devon is one of the worst, with the massive debts they have run up in the last four years.

“The next administration is going to have a tough time sorting it out but if you listen to people and make sure you are focusing on their priorities you can do it and the Liberal Democrats are very committed to that.”

In his second visit to northern Devon in six months, Sir Ed called on the government to host an urgent south west tourism summit to address the impact of national insurance tax hikes and the cost of living crisis.

The Liberal Democrats have asked for an exemption for these sectors, which Sir Ed says will be disproportionately affected by the tax hike because they employ many seasonal workers on low wages.

“So far it has fallen on deaf ears, but we will keep campaigning,” he said.

Alison Stephenson