South Hams Liberal Democrats

Councillor Victor Abbott

Ivybridge East Ward

Victor lives in Ivybridge, which has been his home for 30 years. He lived in Ireland for 10 years during which time he worked offshore, making charts and supporting the exploration industry. He has worked in Ireland and the North Sea countries. On moving to Ivybridge he taught hydrographic surveying at Plymouth University. Victor has been retired for a couple of years, giving him the opportunity to work on local interests which include local history. He is part of local self-study groups in other subjects, and has time for his family, in Ivybridge, around Britain, and in Ireland. "I would like to see local government funding restored, more housing and a representative electoral system. I am pleased to represent the Liberal Democrats because of their inclusiveness and internationalism."
Contact Victor at victor.ivybridge@gmail.com

Councillor Susie Jackson

Kingsbridge Ward

Susie has lived and worked in Devon for 40 years, 14 of those in the South Hams. She works as an Occupational therapist at Torbay Hospital and her role with the NHS has made her aware of the lack of affordable housing in the area. "I hope to meet many of you over the next few years. I will listen carefully to what is important to you. I passionately believe in the power of local communities and I want to help create thriving, sustainable and safe towns to live in. I will work hard to promote a culture of openness and transparency, ending the Conservative 'closed shop' approach."
Contact Susie at susiejackson005@gmail.com

Councillor Denise O'Callaghan

Kingsbridge Ward

Denise previously served as a Liberal Democrat district councillor in Kingsbridge from 2007 to 2011, and really enjoyed representing local people and highlighting their concerns. She lives in the town and has two daughters, one of whom is still a pupil at Kingsbridge Community College. Denise's background is in journalism, both at a local and a national level. "One of the most pressing needs in the South Hams, with the stark contrast between high house prices and low wages, is for more genuinely affordable homes. There should be an obligation for private housing developments to have a percentage of such homes. Another of my priorities is lobbying to close the loophole which enables some of the second home owners in the district to avoid paying council tax on holiday homes. I believe that car parking charges in our town centres are too high, and need to be cut to attract more shoppers to support local businesses."

Contact Denise at denisemariaocallaghan@gmail.com

Councillor Keith Baldry

Newton & Yealmpton Ward

Keith was elected for a fourth term as District Councillor in 2019. He has previously served as a County Councillor and is a long time member of Yealmpton Parish Council. Keith worked for the Post Office for over 30 years and was Head Postmaster for Devon & Cornwall. His first degree was a MA from Dublin University and in 1996, he was awarded a M.Phil by Plymouth University. Keith has been active in politics throughout his adult life. Keith is a season ticket holder at Plymouth Argyle, is married to Isabel and he has three children and seven grandchildren.

Contact Keith at keithjbaldry@lineone.net

Councillor John Birch

Totnes Ward

John Birch lives in Totnes with his wife Lynne and has done so since 1999. Before that he lived in Wiltshire and served on the North Wiltshire District Council where he held the position of deputy leader of the Council. He is a consultant solicitor specialising in construction law and is employed by a large regional firm of solicitors based in Exeter. He is also project leader for the £4 million project to restore and renovate the St Mary's Church in Totnes as well as being chair of the recently formed St Mary's Totnes Heritage Trust, whose aims include raising funds for heritage and conservation projects in Totnes.

John is constantly making Totnes's voice heard within the council chamber and offices at South Hams District Council.

Contact John at jpb1@hotmail.co.uk

Councillor Dan Thomas

Newton & Yealmpton Ward

Dan is originally from Plymouth and has lived largely in Yealmpton for the last 37 years. He spent 10 years working for Plymouth Argyle in Hospitality and Operations Management before becoming the club's General Manager. He retrained as a primary teacher in 2011 and for the last 4 years have taught at Newton Ferrers C of E Primary. Dan is a keen 'Am Drammer' and has been actively involved with the Ermington Players for the past 20 years. He is Chair of Yealmpton Parish Council and believes passionately in the importance of local people being actively involved in local politics. Dan is married to Tina and has three young children.

Contact Dan at danthomas5478@gmail.com

Councillor Julian Brazil

Stokenham Ward

Julian lives in East Prawle, Kingsbridge. He is both a District and a County Councillor for the local area. He has an honours degree in Zoology from Bristol University and is a former science teacher. Julian has an excellent reputation as a local councillor. He is well known for campaigning and supporting his local communities. He is a vociferous supporter of genuinely affordable housing for local people. His main areas of interest are health, education and the environment. He is former captain of the East Prawle cricket team and plays darts and euchre for the Pigs Nose Inn.

Contact Julian at julian.brazil@devon.gov.uk

Councillor John McKay

West Dart Ward

John is a semi retired IT Consultant who lives in Harbertonford. He has served on several steering committees as a technology advisor and has spent several years as a volunteer for the Samaritans. He is presently a volunteer for the Citizens Advice. John is a great supporter of his local community and is working to save the Maltsters Arms pub in Harbertonford from closure. "For many years now, I have been campaigning for better local democracy, better development planning and environmental policies. I believe I have been successful in challenging some damaging developments and bringing about change."

Contact John at me@johnmckay.org

Councillor Guy Pannell

South Brent Ward

Guy is a retired television journalist and university lecturer. He is an active volunteer with the National Trust and the South Devon Railway. He is Chair of the Brent Island Trust and is a member of Brent Singers and the parish church choir. He also enjoys walking and gardening.

Contact Guy at guy@pannellmail.co.uk

Councillor Kate Kemp

Loddiswell and Aveton Gifford Ward

Kate was born in the South Hams and lives with her daughter in Loddiswell. She has started her own business and worked as a carer for the elderly for 14 years. With a teenage daughter Kate is very concerned with the cuts to school funding and the lack of support for young people. As a former care worker she also understands the problems we face looking after our ageing population.
Kate has been particularly alarmed by the proposed merger with West Devon. This would have meant putting the district element of the council tax up by over 40% to help bale out their Conservative colleagues.
'I know Kate will be a first class councillor - putting her local communities first rather than just toeing the party line,' says Julian Brazil.

Contact Kate at kgdesigns@btinternet.com