The Exmouth and Exeter East Conservative Association has announced Paula Burtoft as the Conservative candidate for the Exmouth Halsdon by-election, taking place on Thursday 4 December 2025.
Paula is a lifelong resident of Exmouth. She went to school locally, has worked in the town, and raised her family here. Having spent her entire career in health and social care, first as a qualified nurse and later as a care home manager, Paula brings genuine front-line experience to the campaign. She has managed local nursing homes in Exmouth, working closely with families, residents, and staff, and understands how important well-run local services are to the people who rely on them.
With local government reorganisation underway across Devon, Paula believes it is vital that Exmouth is represented by someone who truly understands the pressures facing health and social care. She wants to make sure that these services remain properly prioritised, and that Exmouth’s needs are not overlooked as decisions are made about the future structure of local government.
Paula has also pledged to work with Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez, David Reed MP, and local councillors to tackle anti-social behaviour in Exmouth. From broken glass at bus shelters to vandalism and damage to local shops, she believes everyone deserves to feel safe in their community and proud of their town centre.
Supporting local businesses is another key priority for Paula. Exmouth’s high street has faced a difficult few years, with the closure of familiar names such as The Crusty Cob, which had served the town for more than 50 years before shutting its doors earlier this year. Paula wants to see the town centre thrive again, backed by Conservative plans to abolish business rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure businesses. She believes this will be a lifeline for local shops, cafés, and restaurants, helping Exmouth’s economy to grow while keeping the town attractive and affordable for families and visitors alike.
Paula also recognises the challenges caused by recent bank closures in Exmouth, including HSBC, NatWest, and most recently Santander. As someone who still uses the banks herself, she is determined to work with David Reed MP and local authorities to protect access to banking services for older residents and small businesses that rely on face-to-face support.
When it comes to housing and infrastructure, Paula wants to see new development done properly. She welcomes new homes at Goodmores and the progress made on the Dinan Way link road, but believes these projects must be supported by the right roads, schools, shops, and public transport. Growth, she says, should strengthen the community, not stretch it.
Paula says she is standing because she cares deeply about Exmouth and wants to use her experience to make a positive difference. Whether walking her dogs on Halsdon Farm by the estuary or shopping in the town centre, she sees the best of what the town has to offer, and she wants to make sure it continues to thrive for years to come.
The Exmouth Halsdon by-election will take place on Thursday 4 December 2025.
Follow Paula on Facebook
