FOUR candidates will contest a district council by-election in Dawlish later this week.

The vacancy in the Dawlish South West ward of Teignbridge District Council followed the death of veteran councillor Mike James who had previously been a Mayor of Torbay.

He died after suffering a fall when he went to help another person who had collapsed in the street. He was 89.

Mr James had served on Dawlish Town Council and was elected to Teignbridge Council in 2023 as a Liberal Democrat. He also volunteered as a governor for Torbay and South Devon NHS.

Among the tributes paid at the time, Dawlish Mayor Anthony James said: ‘Mike was a role model for us all. He was passionate about his community, the people he served and the elderly. His warmth, his humour, advice, words of wisdom and knowledge, is not lost with his passing, as he has touched us all with his generosity.’

The ward covers Holcombe as well as the southern part of Dawlish.

The four candidates standing for election on Thursday are: Joe Dagger (Local Conservatives); Pat Hackett (Liberal Democrats); Sue Whiteing (Reform UK) and Scott Williams (Green Party).

At the same time voters will be choosing a new councillor for Mr James’ seat on the town council. Candidates standing are Dawn Rivers (Green Party) and Gary Taylor (Liberal Democrats).

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday June 25.