Tributes for Exmouth political stalwart after ‘premature loss’

Tributes have been paid to a quiet but very knowledgeable stalwart of East Devon politics who has died.

Colleagues of Andrew Toye said what a “huge hole” his loss would leave in local politics, and that his “deep knowledge” and passion for a range of issues would be sadly missed.
Cllr Toye, who represented the Exmouth Halsdon ward on East Devon District Council and also had a seat on Exmouth town council, came from a “strong Liberal Democrat family”, according to the Exmouth and East Devon Liberal Democrats.
His father, Brian, was also previously a councillor in the Brixington ward – a seat Andrew held until 2007 – and Halsdon wards of Exmouth.
“We will all regret the premature loss of Andrew – he will leave a huge hole,” said Councillor Tim Dumper, the chair of the Exmouth and Exeter East Liberal Democrats.
“As fellow councillors in Halsdon Ward, we have worked closely together over a number of years.
“As a ward councillor, he always stood up for the interests of residents, and as someone with a strong background in politics, he was able to add considerably to debates at both councils.
Cllr Toye, who held a politics degree and had lived in Exmouth for more than 40 years, was also credited by Cllr Dumper for work that ultimately led to Exmouth Town Council winning the prestigious national award of Star Council for Climate Impact.
“However, Andrew was always more than a councillor,” Cllr Dumper said.
“I first met him at Lib Dem conferences in the 1990s, before I moved back to Exmouth, and we spent time at debates and fringe meetings.
“Andrew wasn’t an orator, but made up for that in his deep understanding and interest in issues, local and national. He also took regular part in the party’s campaigning, fundraising and social activities.”
Cllr Dumper said Cllr Toye worked as a civil servant for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), and was involved in farm payments and the changes in those brought about by Brexit.
“He was, like many Lib Dems, a passionate opponent of Brexit,” Cllr Dumper added
“Andy, we will miss you greatly.”
Fellow Exmouth Halsdon member Cllr Dan Wilson (Independent), also praised Cllr Toye’s knowledge and conviction.
“I’m very sorry about the death of Andrew,” he said.
“He was a quiet and unassuming man, but very knowledgeable on local issues with very firm beliefs of right and wrong”
Cllr Wilson said he had recently given Cllr Toye a lift to a planning committee meeting where he had been asked to speak as ward councillor against proposals over a new boxing gym.
“Given that he was very timid, I didn’t think he would agree to speak,” Cllr Wilson said.
“He did, though, and with great conviction. It takes a lot to step outside of your comfort zone, especially when it comes to public speaking, but he did it because he wanted to represent the people of his ward.
“I have enormous respect for that and I was proud to sit next to Andrew and fight for the cause. I hope the councillor elected to replace him does so with the same grace, thoughtfulness and conviction.”
East Devon District Council said Cllr Toye died on Sunday 31 August following an illness.
It called him a “dedicated public servant who gave many years of service” as a district and town councillor.
“Our thoughts are with Councillor Toye’s family and loved ones at this difficult time,” a council spokesperson said.
A by-election will be triggered by Cllr Toye’s death, but details of this have not yet been announced.