LOCAL elections are taking place on May 4, 2023 and the Way ward candidates for Mid Devon District Council are: 

Yeo: Martin David Binks (Conservative), Sandy Chenore (Liberal Democrats), John Willian Dean (Labour), Angus Howie (Conservative), Danuta Karpinska (Green), Paul Perriman (Liberal Democrats).

Following are their election details.  

The polls will be open between the hours of 7am and 10pm, and local residents will be asked to select two candidates as their representatives at Mid Devon District Council.

Voters are reminded to take along their Photo ID or they will be unable to vote!

Martin Binks – Conservative

A former teacher at Queen Elizabeth’s in Crediton, Martin is passionate about education and the importance of services and facilities for young people.

He served on Mid Devon District Council from 2011 to 2015 where he helped take the plans for the fantastic new primary school in Newton St Cyres through its planning committee.

He has been a dedicated campaigner for the preservation of services at Crediton Hospital and worked with Central Devon MP Mel Stride to encourage residents to get back out and support local businesses after Covid-19 restrictions were lifted.

A keen historian, Martin has volunteered at Crediton Museum to help preserve our local heritage.

Angus Howie - Conservative

A proud Scot, Angus grew up on his father’s farm and studied agriculture in Edinburgh. After starting and running his own haulage business for 25 years (specialising in recycling) he moved to Devon where he ran a mixed sheep and beef farm near Okehampton before settling with his wife Sue in Cheriton Bishop.

He now breeds pedigree Texel sheep and Clydesdale horses. Proud to champion British farming, Angus served as the Director of the Royal Highland Show for 11 years - the largest agricultural show in the UK.

Angus is standing for Mid Devon District Council for the first time, but has previous experience as a parish councillor.

Among the issues Angus would look to champion if elected is access to superfast broadband for the most rural businesses and residential properties in Yeo Ward that still struggle with slow speeds.

Dr John Dean - Labour

Dr Dean says: “I live in Newton St Cyres and am a retired consultant cardiologist having worked in the NHS for 42 years.

"As a keen cyclist I am an enthusiastic supporter of the proposed Boniface trail from Crediton to Exeter and will do what I can to make this project a success.

"I am concerned about the degradation of our natural environment, especially the pollution of our rivers and waterways and I am a strong supporter of rewilding projects.

"New housing developments should be sensitive to environmental issues and include affordable properties. Voting for me will ensure a strong voice for local people on council.”

Danuta Karpinska - Green

Danuta is a retired Primary School teacher with a science background, and a passionate interest in the well-being of all who live on Earth and call it home.

Danuta says: “I would like to see a fair, just and kind world for all of us. Food security is an issue I care about a lot.”

Sandy Chenore - Liberal Democrat

Sandy Chenore is a Crediton Town Councillor, special educational needs advisor, chorister and mother of two young boys.

“I’m a working mum, so I know that time pressures and parenting commitments can make it harder for younger people, and especially women, to get their voice heard on Councils, but it is important we do. That’s why I am standing.”

Sandy successfully set up the annual Yeoford Festival of Light working with The Crediton Singers, the Parish Council and The Duck Inn.

“Living in a rural area myself I know that communities often have to be self-sufficient. My local Parish Council is very important to me and my neighbours. Parish Councils often work with very small budgets and do amazing things. So I’m keen that Mid Devon District Council does what it can to help out the hundreds of volunteers that make local life tick,” said Sandy.