In October, whilst we're looking ahead to our AGM in November, it might be worth a quick look back at 2021.
Still in the throes of pandemic, we have nonetheless been able to meet outdoors. Early in the year we delivered leaflets and letters for the May local elections, and met a few voters along the way.

Our candidate list for the 2021 council elections was published recently in the local news media.

Here it is again, with a few links to further details

Ward Candidate

Budshead ................. Colin MacKenzie
Compton ................... Richard Bray
Devonport .................. Jeff Hall
Efford and Lipson ...... Alex Primmer
Eggbuckland ............... Richard Simpson
Moorview .................... Jim Spencer
Plympton Erle ............ Dennis Draper
Plympton St Mary .... Sarah Worrall
Plymstock Dunstone . Richard Worrall
Plymstock Radford .... Roy Plumley
Southway .................... Katie Mc Manus
St Peter & Waterfront Hugh Janes
Stoke ............................ Jacqui Spencer

Parties in Exeter to stand down from Polling Stations on the 6^th May.

Following an initiative from Exeter Liberal Democrats, the Conservative, Labour and Green parties have agreed to not have 'tellers' at Polling Stations this year.

Tellers are the party volunteers who ask voters for their polling numbers outside polling stations.

Tim Dumper, Exmouth's Lib Dem candidate believes that joined up thinking is required to solve some of Exmouth's transport problems.

The pandemic has put in sharp relief problems of congestion, especially on the seafront, and action is needed to make things safer for pedestrians, cyclists, disabled people and motorists.

Plans for a National Landscape Service to replace Dartmoor National Park are about as welcome as the ill-fated European Super League proposal, says a Devon council leader Alan Connett.

The Government is expected to make an announcement shortly on the future of the nation's National Parks like Dartmoor and Exmoor, as well as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Everyone has the right to feel safe where they live, and everyone who has been the victim of a crime deserves justice.

Liberal Democrat Police and Crime Commissioner candidate for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Brian Blake, is calling for a return to proper community policing, as half of all people say they never see police patrols in their local area.

I spent my early life in care, and so have experienced many of the injustices I would like to see righted. My mum went into the Council offices when I was a toddler, put me on the counter, and said "I can't cope!". She then walked off without a word. I remember this trauma well, but I was too young to talk. The social workers didn't even know my name.

Devon Liberal Democrats have confirmed their Devon County Council election candidates to get Devon back on its feet.

Alan Connett, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, Devon County Council, said:

"I am delighted that the Liberal Democrats are fielding such a strong group of candidates for the local elections across Devon.

Devon Liberal Democrats have launched their Devon County Council election manifesto 'Six-to-Fix' setting out their priorities for Devon over the next four years.

The manifesto identifies six key areas to get Devon back on its feet following the Covid-19 pandemic and years of Tory mismanagement of Devon County Council.

We wish all those celebrating a Happy Vaisakhi. We hope you have a peaceful and prosperous time.

Seventy-one Liberal Democrats MPs, Peers and Council Group Leaders, including Lib Dem leader of Torbay Council, Steve Darling, have written to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to oppose the Government's plans to gut a critical scheme allowing energy inefficient homes to access grants.

You will be missed

We pay tribute to Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh who died today at the age of 99.

He dedicated his life to our country and we will always be thankful for his service.

Our thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family.

Today is International Romani Day, a day to celebrate Romani culture and highlight the discrimination and issues faced by Romani people. Many face exclusion and prejudice every day in our society, and there is much more we can do collectively to work towards equality.

With just one month until polling day, you will start to see the campaign starting to fire up.

Now is the time to think about getting your postal vote. Go to: www.libdems.org.uk/postal-vote

Devon Liberal Democrats have criticised Government plans to force local councils to scrap virtual calls and return to face-to-face meetings in person from May.

Last night the minister for Local Government, Luke Hall wrote to council leaders to inform them that emergency legislation allowing virtual council meetings will not be extended beyond May 7th.

Liberal Democrats pledge support for the Ban Cheap Polystyrene Bodyboard Campaign.

Plastic Free Torridge, Plastic Free North Devon and Keep Britain Tidy's Ocean Recovery Project have announced support for a UK-wide ban on selling cheap polystyrene bodyboards from Sir Ed Davey MP, Leader, Liberal Democrats and Tim Farron MP, Environment Spokesperson, Liberal Democrats.