Wednesday 12 May 2021
A big thank you to all Devon residents who voted in the local elections and for the support they gave polling station staff in following the COVID-19 restrictions to ensure the process was as safe as possible for everyone involved.
 The results
All 60 seats on Devon County Council were up for re-election, with 56 ‘single-member’ electoral divisions and 2 ‘two-member’ divisions.
Your votes have been counted and the successful candidates announced.
- Conservative: 39 seats
- Liberal Democrats: 9 seats
- Labour: 7 seats
- Independent: 3 seats
- Green: 2 seats
A full breakdown of all the results for each of the electoral divisions in Devon is available on our website.
 Cllr John Hart
New council promises all-out effort to drive Devon’s economic recovery
The Conservatives have kept control of Devon County Council for an historic fourth term and have pledged to do everything they can to drive the county's economic recovery following the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Cllr John Hart, Leader of the Conservative Group and Leader Elect of the Council, said:
“We have an overwhelming majority again and I would like to thank the people of Devon for their support in giving us the mandate to run the Council for another four years.
“Our main aim will be the regeneration and recovery of the economy of our county. We have an exciting and ambitious programme that will invest in skills and job creation, to help Devon businesses - especially in our tourism and hospitality sectors - to rebuild after the coronavirus pandemic and strengthen the 'Made in Devon' brand.
“We are mindful that we have to do all of this and get the recovery going while keeping our promise to reduce carbon emissions. We've already cut our carbon footprint by almost half and we're on target to become net-zero carbon by 2030."
Read more about what Cllr Hart said on our News Centre.
 Left to right, top to bottom: Cllr Alan Connett, Cllr Rob Hannaford, Cllr Frank Biederman, Cllr Jacqi Hodgson
Reactions to the results across the political groups
Liberal Democrat Group Leader, Cllr Alan Connett, said:
“The Liberal Democrat team is delighted to have made gains in Devon and overall nationally, particularly in this challenging set of elections. However, there can be no room for four more years of complacency at County Hall.
“Roads need to be fixed and children's services, which have been failing for eight years, now must be mended. The super challenge we all face is supporting the Devon economy as we come out of the pandemic. Protecting and creating jobs and supporting our communities will require determined dedication.
“Holding 39 of the 60 seats, the controlling Conservatives may choose to run it as they have in the past. We though are ready to work together in the best interests of the residents and communities of Devon.
“We will work as a united team to offer common-sense solutions and at the same time challenge the controlling Conservatives to cut waste and ensure council tax payers money is spent on the value-for-money services the public wants.”
Labour Group Leader Cllr Rob Hannaford, said:
"The elections went very smoothly and safely, and in most places there was a good turnout. The Labour Group will continue to be a credible and constructive opposition, supporting sensible measures, and scrutinising and challenging areas that need improvement. We will work with others to ensure that Devon recovers and moves forward through the pandemic."
Cllr Frank Biederman, Leader of the Non-Aligned group, said:
"I am delighted we have an extra seat this time, and we look forward to being a strong voice for our communities at County Hall.
"There is clearly a strong appetite for Independent and Greens with the growing amount of votes across Devon. Our focus will be safer and better highways, a cleaner environment and value for money services."
And Cllr Jacqi Hodgson, Leader of the Green Party on Devon County Council, said:
“We have almost doubled the number of votes in this election. I am enormously proud of the fact that people are seeing the value of voting Green. Having two councillors will make a big difference to how effective we can be. We hope to show how a green future is a fairer, prosperous and brighter future for all.”
 What happens next?
Over the next few days, all of the 60 elected councillors will begin their induction to the council, and will receive the equipment they need to carry out their roles and be given further information and guidance.
In the meantime, discussions will continue regarding the make-up of the council's Cabinet, which will be chaired by the council Leader.
The Cabinet will comprise of nominated councillors who will be responsible for the delivery of key public services including schools, social services, highways and waste management.
Membership of the council's other committees will also be proposed, including who will Chair each committee. The make-up of the Committees reflects the overall political make-up of the council.
All of these new posts will need to be finally agreed at the first meeting of the Full Council - a meeting that all of the Councillors will attend, at 2.15pm on Thursday 27 May. You can watch the meeting online.
 What does the council do?
In most of Devon there are three tiers of local government - the County Council, District, Borough or City Councils, and Town and Parish Councils.
Devon County Council is responsible for services including education; transport; roads and street lighting; social care for adults and children; support for Devon's economy; waste management; public health and trading standards.
Devon's various District, Borough and City councils cover a smaller area than the County Council and are responsible for services including household waste and recycling collection; planning applications; housing; council tax collection and benefits and support.
And Town and Parish Councils, smaller in size again but equally an essential part in the delivery of public services and support for local communities, provide a wide range of services to local residents, including allotments, public toilets, tourist activities and community transport schemes.
In Torbay and Plymouth, just one tier of local government provides all the local services - these are known as unitary authorities.
Devon County Council is over 130 years old, with the first elections held on 16 January 1889. In the beginning the council operated with a budget of just £50,000. Today we are the largest authority in the South West of England, serving a population of over 790,000 people.
How does the council work?
Councils play a big part in the local economy and influence many aspects of the lives of the people who live or work in Devon. They are all led by democratically elected councillors who set the vision and direction of the council.
Devon County Council runs on a system similar to that of central government, with an elected Cabinet made up of a Leader and no more than nine other members (Cabinet Members), who decide on policy and make decisions, which other councillors then ‘scrutinise’ or examine in detail.
Traditionally each of our Cabinet Members takes a lead responsibility for a particular area of work, such as the economy, highways and transportation, adult social care or services for children. They meet at least once a month in public at County Hall, Exeter. Their meetings are broadcast via the internet, and members of the public and other elected members can attend and put questions to them.
The agenda for their meeting is published on our website in advance so everyone knows what is up for discussion, and the minutes are also available online so the decisions made can be seen.
A forward plan is also published on our website, which lists decisions that will be made over the next four months. It includes a short description of the decision to be made; who will make it; when the decision will be taken; details of the planned consultation with local people and other stakeholders; and contact details for further information, including reports and background papers.
Your Councillors
County Councillors are elected by their local community to represent them on Devon County Council and decide how the organisation should carry out its various duties.
Collectively they make major decisions on the services the council provides, setting the budget and overseeing how services are run.
They usually serve a four-year term before their seat is up for re-election.
Councillors will have regular contact with the residents in their electoral division and are available to discuss any problems or concerns.
You can find our more about your local county councillor, including their contact details, on our website.
 How to get involved
As a Devon resident it is vital that you are well informed on issues affecting where you live. It is also important that you know how to give your views on matters affecting you and your community.
There are lots of ways to get involved and help shape services across Devon.
Meetings of the full County Council, Cabinet and the majority of committees are open to the public who may attend and observe. Alternatively you can watch some meetings online.
You can also ask a question or, in certain circumstances, make a representation or presentation to members at some meetings.
You may also, at any time, deliver or present a petition to the council or one of its committees (depending on the subject matter).
The County Council run a number of consultations on different proposals in order to understand the opinions of those who may be affected. To view current consultations and find out how to have your say, visit our consultations web page.
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