Mid Devon District Council is pleased to welcome Councillor Martyn Stratton as the newly elected Liberal Democrat representative for the Clare and Shuttern ward, following the elections held on 2 May 2025.

Councillor Stratton brings with him a wealth of experience in public service, journalism, education, and advocacy. He has previously worked in local government roles in Kettering, Northants, and Barnet LBC during the 1990s, serving as Assistant Public Relations Officer and later as Press Officer.

Currently working as an independent advocate for vulnerable adults, Councillor Stratton is passionate about social justice and community welfare. Through his work with a social enterprise owned by Age UK, he has spent the past seven years supporting families across England to access NHS Continuing Healthcare funding, particularly for those in care homes or receiving care at home.

His varied professional background includes time as a newspaper journalist, primary school teacher, and care worker. These roles have provided him with deep insight into issues affecting local residents—from health and social care to education and communication.

Councillor Stratton said:

"I have been proud to call Bampton my home for the last twelve years, I consider myself very fortunate to live in such a beautiful part of the world and have grown to love the town and surrounding area since I moved here."

With strong ties to the local community and a personal connection to rural life—being the grandson of a farmer—Cllr Stratton understands the challenges facing farming families and rural residents. He is also a dedicated family man, married to Carole Ann, and part of a blended family with five children and two grandchildren.

On his recent election, Councillor Stratton said:

"Having been elected and joined a very strong team of talented local champions at Mid Devon District Council I now want to focus on helping the people of my ward (Clare and Shuttern). I strongly believe that having strong representation on the County Council following the party’s recent successes on May 1st as well as having the support of the local MP (Rachel Gilmour) will enable the significant progress made over the last two years to continue. I will certainly be using my connections with Devon County Council and our local MP to fight for the people of my ward, support them with their issues and help them to access services. This will include backing our improving district council that’s now in the top 10% nationally for recycling. I also support the introduction of grants for local businesses, help with food and energy bills and supporting those who lost their winter fuel allowance. In addition, I will be campaigning to fix broadband ‘not-spots’, improve rural transport and ensure villages are properly connected – so no one is left behind in today’s digital world. I’m also focused on other issues that really matter – homes for local people, stronger communities and protecting what makes our towns and villages such special places to live and thrive."