West Devon appoints new mayor for 2025-26

West Devon Borough Council has confirmed Cllr Paul Vachon as the new mayor for 2025-26, following a vote at the Council’s Annual Meeting.

Cllr Vachon, who represents the Okehampton South ward, formally took over the role from outgoing mayor Cllr Debo Sellis. The ceremonial chain of office was handed over during a meeting that also saw the appointment of councillors to key committee positions.

Speaking after the ceremony, Cllr Vachon said: “It has always been a great privilege of mine to represent the people of Okehampton on West Devon Borough Council, so getting the opportunity to represent everyone in the borough as mayor is a true honour.”

He also paid tribute to his predecessor, describing Cllr Sellis as a hardworking mayor. “It’s been wonderful working with Cllr Sellis over the last year as her deputy mayor. She’s worked very hard in the role, and I’d like to thank her for her work and congratulate her on her time as mayor,” he added.

Looking ahead, he pledged to balance the ceremonial aspects of the role with the council’s day-to-day responsibilities. “I’ll make sure to have some fun as mayor, but the main thing for me is continuing to do the work of the borough council, represent the people that live here, and make sure we continue to provide excellent services to them.”

Cllr Chris Edmonds, ward member for Tamarside, was named deputy mayor for the coming year.

The meeting also confirmed the following appointments to the council’s main committees:

Hub Committee

• Leader: Cllr Mandy Ewings

• Deputy Leader: Cllr Mark Renders

• Members: Cllrs Adam Bridgewater, Chris Edmonds, Chris West, Neil Jory, Jane Elliott, Jeff Moody, Caroline Mott

Audit and Governance Committee

• Chairman: Cllr George Dexter

• Vice Chairman: Cllr Anne Johnson

Development Management and Licensing Committee

• Chairman: Cllr Ric Cheadle

• Vice Chairman: Cllr Steve Guthrie

Overview and Scrutiny Committee

• Chairman: Cllr Patrick Kimber

• Vice Chairman: Cllr Alistair Cunningham

Regeneration and Investment Committee

• Lead Member: Cllr Chris Edmonds

Council Tax Setting Committee

• Chairman: Cllr Paul Vachon

The Annual Council meeting is held each year to formalise the election of the mayor and assign councillors to leadership and scrutiny roles across the borough