Former Teignbridge leader speaks after losing his seat in the local elections (original) (raw)

The outgoing leader of Teignbridge District Council has said he has left the council in an excellent financial position and with better opportunities for skills, jobs and housing for young people than when he took charge.

Jeremy Christophers had been the Conservative leader of the council since 2011 and a councilor since 1999, but lost his seat in last week’s elections to independent candidate Adrian Patch.

Thursday’s elections also saw the Conservatives lose control of the council to the Liberal Democrats, who won 26 of the 47 seats up for grabs.

Speaking after losing his seat, Mr Christophers said that he wished well the 2019 intake of councilors and said that those who found it easy to criticise from the opposition now have the chance to deliver their own pledges.

Cllr Jeremy Christophers,

He said: “During my time leading Teignbridge District Council I am proud of our record in keeping council tax rates down in spite of having £10m per year less than in 2011.

"I leave the council in an excellent financial position, with better opportunities for skills, jobs and housing for young people across the region and most importantly, offering a collaborative leadership with neighbouring councils, which has provided £20m of value during an unprecedented level of political turmoil in our country.

“The responsibility of leading a council is an immensely rewarding role, but it comes at a personal cost. For those who found it so easy to comment and criticise while in opposition, you now have the opportunity to come good on your own pledges, such as they are. I wish them every success in building on what we have achieved in Teignbridge.

“The council I left last week was a very different place to the council that new members will be returning to this week. The delivery of quality public services in a divided and divisive political landscape, will be very challenging for the new administration.”

Mr Christophers said that the results of the elections have been bruising for the Conservative party and that national issues had affected the council locally. He said: “This protest vote over Brexit, will undoubtedly have an impact on local services going forward.”

Cllr Jeremy Christophers

He added that he wanted thank his family, friends, colleagues and supporters for their loyalty during his 20 years as a councilor, saying that without their support, he would not have been able to achieve so much in this role.

He said: “A lifetime in sport, has taught me that victories and defeats are part of life and whilst I am disappointed with this result, I feel very proud to have played six, won five and lost only one.

“I will now be able to pursue numerous other interests and opportunities. I still believe Teignbridge is the best place in the UK to live, work and enjoy life.

“Finally, I wish the 2019 intake of councillors good luck as they now have the responsibility to lead our district in the months and years ahead. It will be very interesting to see what happens next.”

Mr Christophers finished third in the count that was announced at Newton Abbot Racecourse on Friday for the Haytor ward, losing to independents Robert Steemson and the newly elected councillor for the area, Adrian Patch.

Cllr Patch, who is also an Ilsington parish councillor, speaking after his win on Friday said that he was happy to have won, regardless of who he defeated.

Cllr Adrian Patch, Teignbridge councillor for Haytor

He added: “I fought the campaign on issues, not personalities, and I will do the best for the people of the Haytor ward. I have had four years on the parish council where I would like to think I have made an impact with some of the policy changes and I am looking forward to getting stuck in at district level.

Video Loading

Video Unavailable

Click to play Tap to play

“I am sure national issues have played a part and I did think Jeremy would take a bit of the hit, but a 49 per cent turnout, compared to what is going on, shows that the people of the Haytor ward care about a local issues and I have certainly got that impression from the people while out campaigning.”

The current composition of the council after the elections see there being 26 Liberal Democrats, 12 Conservatives, and nine Independents.

The new leader of the council will be Liberal Democrat Gordon Hook, who the group re-elected as their leader following the elections.

Story Saved

You can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.