Devon County Council leadership roles set to be decided

The key leadership roles on Devon County Council are set to be decided within days.

At the full council meeting on Thursday, May 22, councillors will decide who takes up the positions of leader and deputy leader, as well as cabinet and committee memberships. 

The roles of council chair and vice-chair will also be confirmed.

It comes after a dramatic shift in the council’s political makeup following the local elections on Thursday, May 1.

While the Liberal Democrats emerged as the largest party with 27 of the 60 available seats, they fell short of the 31 required for a majority. 

As a result, no party has overall control of the council.

The Conservatives, who previously held a majority, suffered significant losses and now hold just seven seats.

Reform UK gained ground, winning 18 seats, while the Green Party secured six. 

Two independent candidates were also elected. 

Labour failed to win any seats.

Sixty seats across 58 council divisions were contested, with Exmouth and Broadclyst each electing two councillors.

The outcome has triggered cross-party discussions, as each political grouping now attempts to form a coalition and agreement to lead the council.