Top positions at East Devon District Council for Exmouth councillors

Three Exmouth councillors have been appointed to East Devon District Council's new cabinet following the local elections.

Cllrs Olly Davey (Green, Exmouth Town), who is also Mayor of Exmouth, Nick Hookway (Lib Dem, Exmouth Littleham) and Matt Hall (Lib Dem, Exmouth Withycombe Raleigh) join seven others in the top positions.

The cabinet members all belong to the 'Democratic Alliance Group', a coalition of Lib Dems, Greens and independents.

It is the largest group on the council with 29 seats. In contrast, the Conservatives have 17 seats, the Independent Group nine, Labour three and the Independent Council Group two.

Returning Leader Cllr Paul Arnott (Lib Dem, Coly Valley), who has held the position for the past three years, said: "There are challenges in all our priority areas, not least diminishing financial support from central government.

"However, I feel confident that our replenished, progressive-minded body of councillors, working with our enthusiastic and talented officers, will do the district proud."

The new cabinet posts are as follows:

• Coast, Country & Environment: Cllr Geoff Jung (Lib Dem, Woodbury and Lympstone)
• Council and Corporate Coordination: Cllr John Loudoun (Independent, Sidmouth Rural)
• Climate Action & Emergencies: Cllr Marianne Rixson (Lib Dem, Sidmouth Sidford)
• Communications & Democracy: Cllr Sarah Jackson (Independent, Axminster)
• Culture, Leisure, Sport & Tourism: Cllr Nick Hookway (Lib Dem, Exmouth Littleham)
• Economy: Cllr Matt Hall (Lib Dem, Exmouth Withycombe Raleigh)
• Finance and Assets: Cllr Paul Hayward (Independent, Axminster)
• Strategic Planning: Cllr Olly Davey (Green, Exmouth Town)
• Sustainable Homes & Communities: Cllr Dan Ledger (Independent, Seaton)

Deputy Leader Cllr Paul Hayward (Independent, Axminster) will continue in his role.

Cllr Eleanor Rylance (Lib Dem, Broadclyst) has also been elected as chair and Cllr Sam Hawkins (Independent, Cranbrook) vice chair of the council.