Lib Dems gain another councillor in Torridge

The Liberal Democrat candidate, Nigel Kenneally, topped the poll in the Milton and Tamarside byelection on Thursday. Mr Kenneally, who is a former mayor of Holsworthy, becomes the eleventh Lib Dem councillor on Torridge District Council, equalling the number of seats held by the Independent group. The Lib Dems took 37.5% of the vote, beating Reform’s 31% and the Conservatives’ 17% with a turnout of 33%. 

Speaking after his election, Mr Kenneally said:

‘I am very proud and honoured to have been elected as District councillor for Milton and Tamarside. I would like to thank the Lib Dem team without whose help and effort I wouldn't have been elected. I promise I will fight for every constituent of the ward and give 100% for the residents of Milton and Tamarside’.

Mr Kenneally, whose campaign enjoyed the support of Lib Dems from across the county and beyond, paid special tribute to Phil Hutty, Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Torridge and Tavistock, for his assistance. 

Mr Hutty commented:

‘This achievement comes less than 6 months after the Reform took the County seat here last May and mirrors Lib Dem byelection gains across the country. We will continue to make the case for decent, compassionate politics, fair funding and better services for rural areas.’

Teresa Tinsley, Leader of the Liberal Democrat group on Torridge District Council, said:

‘Nigel will be a great representative for Milton and Tamarside. Everyone knows how genuine and helpful he is. Even on election day, he had to break off door-knocking to go and support a neighbour in trouble. Having Nigel on the Council with us will make a real difference to what we can achieve for residents.’ 

Councillor Kenneally said that his first priority would be to safeguard the future of the multi-million pound Holsworthy Agri-Business Centre project, which has become stalled:

‘This represents a £7.3 million injection into the area and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to put our agricultural economy on the front foot’, he said. ‘I’m determined that we get to reap the benefits in terms of jobs and opportunities locally.’