Local issues, getting rid of Tories are Seaton residents’ priorities for by-election

Nub News took to the streets of Seaton today (Wednesday 15 June) to ask people their opinions on the upcoming by-election.

There was a general feeling that Seaton had fallen behind other places in the local area, and that the PM's lockdown rule-breaking had put people off voting for the Conservative party.

Local issues 

Some residents were worried that Seaton was falling behind and wanted to see a boost in tourism.

Software Engineer Max, 25, who grew up in Seaton and was visiting his parents, said: "I guess restoring touristy stuff after Covid is probably a big thing ... there's a lot of businesses and people who depend on tourist stuff."

Local business owners Phil and Kim Abbott of the Spot On Kiosk on Seaton seafront also spoke to Nub News.

Kim highlighted that keeping the local toilets open, and the car parking charges down, were her main concerns.

She said: "We're a seaside town, we want tourists to come here: that's the main thing for us.

"It's bad enough that people are paying as much as they are for fuel, but then on top of that the parking charges are deterring them.

"Whoever gets in, I hope that they do actually do something, do change some things. They promise all these things, and nothing gets done." 

Anyone but the Tories

Kim said that she expects that the Liberal Democrats will win, and software engineer Max said that he would not vote Conservative.

When asked about what he thinks is the most important issue in the by-election, an elderly Seaton resident (who did not want to give his name) said: "Getting rid of the Tories! [Johnson]'s utterly appalling."

He added that any party would be better than the Conservatives.

Meanwhile Seaton resident Roy, 91, was less interested. 

He said: "Well, I've never thought much about it to tell you the truth. We've got one or two cranks now, haven't we?

"I'm 91 now, so I don't bother [with politics], I just go with the flow. I don't know [if I'll vote], I may do."

Seaton resident Anna McLoughlin, 51, whom Nub News spoke to in Axminster on Monday, said: "In Seaton, we've got Liberals on the rise. 

"[I will vote Lib Dem] strategically because ... nobody else stands a chance to beat the Conservatives. They've been there for too long."