Council elects leader to replace newly elected MP

A former history teacher has been elected the leader of North Devon Council.

David Clayton, Liberal Democrat councillor for Barnstaple with Westacott, described his new position as "an honour and a privilege".

He takes over from fellow Lib Dem Ian Roome, who was elected as the new North Devon MP at the general election in July.

The father-of-three was born in Oldham and taught history and politics in the north of England before becoming "a Devonian by choice".

He joked with councillors he could handle most things that came along on the council if he could handle a group of adolescents at a comprehensive in Liverpool.

Mr Clayton was a councillor for 12 years in Rochdale before being elected to North Devon Council in 2023.

Barnstaple with Westacott's Liberal Democrat councillor Peter Leaver will replace Mr Clayton as deputy mayor.

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