Honiton and Sidmouth Conservatives have published the results of a local potholes survey revealing widespread dissatisfaction with the condition of roads since the Liberal Democrats took control of Devon County Council in May 2025.
The survey, launched on the 2nd of February 2026 and promoted to residents across Honiton and Sidmouth constituency throughout the week, asked respondents whether potholes in their local area had improved following the change in political control at County Hall. The results point to a clear deterioration in public confidence.
Respondents described worsening road surfaces, more frequent potholes and increased damage to vehicles. Many commented that everyday journeys have become more difficult and costly, particularly on rural roads, and that reported problems are not being addressed quickly or effectively.
Despite repeated commitments from the Lib Dem-led council that taking control would lead to better roads and improved transport, the findings suggest those promises are not being reflected in residents’ day-to-day experience.Importantly, dissatisfaction is not confined to one political group. Among respondents who voted Liberal Democrat in the 2025 local elections, a clear majority said potholes have got worse since their party took control of the council.
The survey also explored whether views have shifted since 2025 by asking respondents to rate, on a 0–10 scale, how likely they would be to vote for each major party if an Election were held tomorrow. The responses indicate that for a significant number of participants, confidence in the Liberal Democrats has declined since the local elections, with many now expressing lower likelihoods of supporting the party.
Local Conservatives say this reflects growing frustration with the council’s performance on core responsibilities such as highways maintenance, and a sense among residents that standards are slipping rather than improving.
Dominic Nancekievill, Chairman of Honiton & Sidmouth Conservatives said:
“Residents were promised better roads on leaflets from the Liberal Democrats if they took control of Devon County Council, but the vast majority of people locally are saying conditions have got worse.
Even two-thirds of those who voted Liberal Democrat in 2025 now say potholes have increased. Roads and highways are a core council responsibility, and local people deserve action, not excuses.
We are honest that not everything was right under the previous Conservative administration in Devon, but it is clearly getting worse under the Liberal Democrats. That is why we are doing things differently as we build a refreshed local Conservative Party ahead of the new unitary council elections.”
Important information
The Honiton & Sidmouth Potholes Survey was conducted to assess residents’ experiences of road conditions since the Liberal Democrats took control of Devon County Council in May 2025.
The survey was hosted on the Honiton and Sidmouth Conservatives website and was open to any resident who wished to take part.
The survey was promoted through:
The Honiton & Sidmouth Conservatives Facebook page, and shared into local community groups.
Paid Facebook advertisements targeted locally.
Participation was voluntary and open to all respondents who saw the promotion.
The results indicate a decline in confidence in the Liberal Democrats among a significant number of respondents compared with their 2025 local election vote
Participants were asked:
Whether potholes had improved in their local area since May 2025
How they voted in the 2025 local elections (optional)
Their likelihood of voting for each major party on a 0–10 scale if a General Election were held tomorrow (optional)
Voting-related questions included consent wording in line with the Conservative Party’s Data Protection and Privacy Policy.
Personal details such as names, contact information and addresses were collected only for campaign and contact purposes and have not been included in any published material.
All data shared publicly or with the press has been anonymised and presented in aggregated form only.
Percentages are rounded to the nearest whole number.
