Lib Dems and Reform to contest Brixham Town Council by-election

The Liberal Democrats and Reform will contest a by-election in Brixham later this month.

The poll will be taken to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of Cllr Chloe Pavely from the Furzeham with Summercombe ward on Brixham Town Council. Voting will take place on Thursday January 29 between 7am and 10pm.

The two candidates are Liberal Democrat Conor Fidgeon and Reform UK candidate Darryl Sparkes.

The town council has confirmed that no polling cards will be issued for the election. Eligible voters can vote in person at their designated polling station or by post/proxy if they have already applied to do so.

One disgruntled resident complained that having no polling cards meant people were not aware of the elections. “Not issuing polling cards to make residents aware takes away our right to vote,” she said.

But polling cards are not a legal requirement for town council elections and are provided for information only, according to a town council spokesperson.

The absence of polling cards does not affect an elector’s right to vote.

The cost of administering town council elections is met by the town council itself, and the previous by-election in May 2025 for the St Peters with St Marys Ward cost it £20,620.

The spokesperson went on: “We can also confirm that all statutory election notices have been published and are available to view in the town council noticeboard, and on our website and social media platforms.

“They are also available to view on Torbay Council’s website. The town council’s website also includes a list of polling stations to support residents who may be unsure of their designated polling station.”