Lib Dems and Reform make big gains in election

MASSIVE power-shift has ended a 16-year Conservative reign at County Hall, with the Liberal Democrats becoming the largest single party ahead of second-placed Reform UK.

- by BRADLEY GERRARD Local Democracy Reporter

The Lib Dems, which had nine councillors going into the election, have emerged with 27, giving them the most members of any party.

With no councillors in Devon ahead of the poll, Reform UK now has 18.

However, the result means the Lib Dems are short of an overall majority - which would have been 31 councillors - suggesting they may need the support of other parties to wield control.