South Hams councillor dies after battle with cancer
Councillor David May represented the ward of Ivybridge West for 17 years
Last updated 7th Dec 2020
Tributes have been paid to a South Hams councillor who has died after a battle with cancer.
Cllr David May, who represented the ward of Ivybridge West for 17 years and was a much-loved member of the community, passed away at his home in Ivybridge last week.
The flag at Follaton House stood at half-mast in his honour, and a South Hams District Council Executive meeting began with a minute’s silence in his honour.
Cllr Judy Pearce, South Hams District Council’s Leader, said:
"David was in many ways a larger than life figure in our Council. He was funny, generous and kind and a devoted family man.
"He was a successful businessman and a competent hard working colleague, who served his constituents well for a long time. He was a much valued and appreciated member of the Council.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very sad time. We send them our condolences."
Cllr Keith Baldry, South Hams District Council’s, Leader of the Opposition, said:
"This is very sad. I became a District Councillor in 2007 when David was already on the Council. We immediately got on and this was not exceptional, David was friendly and welcoming to everyone.
"He was always helpful. Our political views were miles apart but we enjoyed each other’s company.
"I was flattered when David invited Isabel and me to his 60th birthday party. It was typical that it was no ordinary party; he had a fairground built in David May Motors. Sadly, appalling weather restricted some of the rides.
"When we were setting up Ivybridge foodbank, David gave a van to be used to distribute food to local villages. He was a lovely, generous person and I am going to miss him. I feel for Shelagh and the family."
Cllr May was first elected to Council in 2003 and during his time in Office, he served on all major Committees of the Council, including becoming the Chairman of the Development Management Committee and the Licensing Committee.
Since May 2019, Cllr May had served on the Executive where he was responsible for the Communities and Enterprise portfolio, which was an area of much interest to him, striving to help improve people’s lives and livelihoods in the South Hams.
He also had many outside interests including Havencare, of which he was a Director and the Ivybridge Rotary of which he was a past President.
As a result of the death of Cllr May, the Conservative Party have officially lost overall control of the council.
The composition of the council now consists of Conservatives (15), Liberal Democrats (10), Green Party (2), and Independents (3), with one seat vacant.
A by-election to elect Cllr May’s replacement will take place in May 2021.