Claire Wright, the independent Devon County Councillor for Otter Valley, has decided not to stand for re-election on 6 May.

Claire stood as an independent candidate for East Devon in the 2019 general election and received 40.4% of the vote, compared with the 50.8% received by the current East Devon MP Simon Jupp.

She has instead endorsed Jess Bailey, the East Devon District Councillor for West Hill and Aylesbeare, for the role.

Claire said: "I know with absolute certainty, that my ward, the residents, the wildlife, the trees and every other thing of value, will be in supremely safe hands if Jess is elected. I have known her for years. She has proven time and time again that she is hard working, that she cares and that she fights tooth and nail for her ward.

"There is no one else I would feel more confident in, or happier to succeed me on Devon County Council."

Claire has said that she will canvass for Jill herself, and has called on supporters in the Otter Valley Ward to help.

She added: "It is a huge challenge for an independent to be elected to the County Council without the backing of a party machine."

"With only five weeks to go until polling day, it will now be full steam ahead for Jess and for those helping with her campaign."

You can email Claire at [email protected] to get involved.

Devon-born Jess Bailey is a qualified solicitor, and has been a part of Ottery St Mary Town Council and West Hill Parish Council for seven years.

Elected to East Devon District Council in 2019, she now intends to stand in the County Council elections in May.

She said: "I am very honoured to be endorsed by Claire as her potential successor.

"It is by no means guaranteed that I will be elected though and in the coming weeks I will be working hard to understand the issues across the Otter Valley Ward.

"It will of course be a different kind of election due to COVID and whilst it may not be possible to speak to people on the doorstep in the 'normal' way I will be doing all that I can to communicate with residents."