A SHERBORNE councillor is standing down after winning an election in Devon – despite standing as a ‘paper candidate’.

Matthew Hall, a Liberal Democrat, won the Sherborne West ward at Dorset Council elections in 2019.

However, having qualified as a planning officer, Cllr Hall took a job in neighbouring Devon, drawing criticism for continuing with his role in Dorset.

Then last week, Cllr Hall was elected to East Devon District Council in the Exmouth Withycombe Raleigh ward – meaning he held two seats on different councils.

While this is not against the rules, Cllr Hall has now decided to stand down from his Dorset seat, triggering a by-election in Sherborne West.

“I had agreed to stand as a paper candidate in Exmouth ahead of a move to the town,” he said.

“However last week Exmouth, like much of the UK, voted overwhelmingly to reject the nasty politics of the Conservative Party and I now find myself a councillor on two different councils.

“It had always been my intention to step down from Dorset Council at the elections next year, but it isn’t fair to constituents in either place to try and do both jobs.

“So with great sadness I have decided to give up my Sherborne seat early.”

Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Dorset Council, Nick Ireland, paid tribute to Cllr Hall’s work.

“Exmouth’s gain is very much Dorset’s loss. Matt has been an outstanding councillor for Dorset and is a prime example of why electing Liberal Democrats is good for local communities,” he said.

“He works tirelessly for residents of Sherborne and a raft of local charities. He champions local causes and is always available to help constituents with their problems.

“Matt will be sorely missed by his fellow councillors and by the many hundreds of Sherborne residents he has personally helped.

“We look forward to putting forward a candidate who can carry on his good work.”

MP Chris Loder (Con, West Dorset) said he was ‘pleased’ Cllr Hall had resigned.

“This is an outcome I have been calling for since last October, when it became apparent how ineffective and absent Cllr Hall was at addressing significant issues, such as the re-opening of Kitt Hill,” he said.

“As someone who was born in Sherborne and who knows the town and residents well, I now think the vacant seat deserves a local person who truly understands the local area and is willing to help people. Sherborne West deserves better,” he added.