SIX people are standing for election to represent Crediton at Devon County Council.

Liberal Democrat Frank Letch MBE was the county councillor for the division, which covers Crediton, Copplestone, Bow, Cheriton Bishop and Venny Tedburn, until his death on April 8 at the age of 80.

The candidates competing for the seat are Charles Beazley for Reform UK, Jim Cairney for the Liberal Democrats, Angus Howie for the Conservative Party, Wesley Mitchell for the Heritage Party, Rob Rickey for the Green Party, and Paul Vincent for the Labour Party.

There was a seventh candidate, independent Rebecca Emily Sales, but she has withdrawn from the contest.

Voters will go to the polls to choose whom they want to represent them at county level on Thursday, May 1.

The new Crediton councillor will probably not be in post for very long, as Devon County Council will likely cease to exist soon amid an overhaul of local government.

The government wants to create new “unitary” councils instead of the county and district council system currently in place in most of Devon.

Devon County Council had asked the government to postpone the May polls but was denied.

Short introductions written by the six Crediton candidates can be read below.

I would like to introduce myself to you as the Reform candidate for Crediton in the local elections.

I am very proud to have been selected to represent Reform. I assure you that should I be elected I will work tirelessly, to get rid of the dubious contracts signed by Devon County Council, get rid of all the “vanity projects” so loved by our Labour government and the Conservative-controlled council, cut waste, and increase efficiency, all with total transparency.

We need to free up people's hard-earned money that is paid in council tax and reverse years of neglect and get the money channelled back into the community, local projects and services that will benefit everyone living in the towns and villages, and make their life better! Crediton needs REFORM!

I’ve lived in Crediton for 24 years and run a successful local restaurant.

One of the bonuses of being a restaurateur is you get to talk to a wide range of people, and they often tell you about the problems they face.

That’s why six years ago I stood to be a town councillor and after that a district councillor for Crediton Boniface.

I think I’ve done a good job representing local people with their problems and championing local businesses.

Now I want to represent you at county level as your Devon County Councillor.

Devon faces many problems and the ruling Conservative group have proven incapable of solving them.

It is time for change. Lib Dems have proven, at Mid Devon District Council level, we can sort problems out, now it is time to sort out Devon County.

Born in Perthshire, Scotland, I followed in my father’s farming footsteps before starting my own successful haulage and heavy plant business.

For many years, our lorries were responsible for filling in potholes in Perthshire, which, as we all know, is a key local issue here in Crediton Rural too.

I moved to Devon in 2011, firstly to Okehampton and then to Cheriton Bishop, where I have continued farming Texel sheep with my wife, Sue.

I am a family man and enjoy spending time with my grandchildren. Alongside my key focuses on education, school meal provision, protecting the countryside for future generations and food security, my main aim if elected will be to leave our wonderful Crediton Rural division better than when I moved here.

I’ve lived here for over a decade. Crediton, Devon is home. It’s where I’ve raised my family and seen firsthand the value of community. I’m standing because local voices are being ignored, and I believe we need councillors who will fight for real people, not the government machines.

Originally from South Africa, I bring the same tenacity to politics that once defined my rugby career. After leaving Reform, I joined the Heritage Party, citing the need for a political home with clear principles and a long-term vision.

This party hasn’t changed its leader, it hasn’t changed its manifesto, and it doesn’t chase headlines. It just gets on with actively defending our freedoms and restoring common sense. That’s why I’m here.

Standing for election in Crediton, I’m calling for a return to integrity and accountability in local government.

People are tired of political theatre. They want honesty, consistency, and someone who will actually represent them.

I have lived near Crediton since 1990. I stand for inclusive, sustainable communities, and a fair deal for Crediton and rural Devon.

From the southern USA, I am an architect and Passivhaus designer. I live with my wife Karen in Crediton, where our three sons grew up. As an immigrant myself, I see the value in immigration and reject the demonisation of others.

I believe strongly in providing fairer, greener homes for all, as well as supporting local agriculture and access to arts, sport and culture for all.

I will support independent local businesses, with preference in local procurement wherever possible.

Green councillors at Mid Devon District opposed Devon County Council’s response to the government’s local government reorganisation demands.

Devon is far too big for just one unitary authority. In any new authority Greens call for a fair deal for rural areas with scattered settlements.

Born in Bideford (in 1962) I have lived in Crediton for around 16 years, where I am active both in business and community life.

I have worked in retail stores, shops and in magazine publishing and have run my own business. In 2023 I started a café and hire space, the Elephant on the Green.

As Chair of the Friends of Crediton Library I helped launch, and now edit, the Kirton Quarterly – “a magazine for the Crediton community” – which is delivered free to all households and businesses in the town.

I volunteer to keep Crediton clean and tidy. A current task is to clear weeds and debris from Deep Lane – a popular walking route in the town.

I have served on Crediton Town Council during two periods and take an active interest in local government issues. I have been a Labour Party member for around 30 years.

Your polling station can be found on your poll card sent to you in the post. You must bring photo ID to your polling station when you go to vote.

You can find the names of candidates standing in other local seats by visiting: creditoncourier.co.uk/news/county-elections-candidates-announced-780519.