Lib Dems Hail Double Barnstaple Byelection Win

North Devon Liberal Democrats have won a double byelection victory in Barnstaple this week, electing local Lib Dems Josh Rutty and Omer Aydinli.

Josh Rutty was elected to North Devon Council for Barnstaple with Westacott ward, and becomes North Devon's youngest District councillor. The results were as follows:

• Lib Dem (Josh Rutty) - 505 (41%)
• Reform UK - 383 (31%)
• Conservatives - 205 (16%)

• Green - 154 (12%)

  Lib Dem Hold

Omer Aydinli was also elected to Barnstaple Town Council to represent Fort Hill.

• Lib Dem (Omer Aydinli) - 239 (43%)
• Conservatives - 168 (30%)

• Green - 145 (26%)

  Lib Dem Hold

Among their priorities are action on graffiti in the area, campaigning for a 20mph speed limit near schools in the Chanters Hill area, and improvements to the town centre.

Local Lib Dem MP for North Devon Ian Roome congratulated both candidates on their election wins, saying: “What a team! Nobody worked harder than Josh and Omer: they've shown local residents exactly what they're made of, and I know they'll be a credit to Barnstaple. Keep up the good work!”

Our special thanks to campaigners and byelection volunteers from across North Devon, Torridge, Central Devon and Cornwall, for a massive team effort.