David Reed has been selected to represent the Local Conservative Party for Exmouth & Exeter East constituency at the next general election.

A meeting was held on Thursday (July 20) at Exmouth Community College, local Conservatives met to elect a new candidate to stand in Exmouth and East Exeter.

Yesterday (July 24), it was announced that Liberal Democrat MP Richard Foord will stand for the new Honiton & Sidmouth constituency at the next election, promising to make local health services his main focus if re-elected.

David Reed is a former Royal Marine with strong family links to the area.

Mr Reed said: "I have a strong desire to make Exmouth & Exeter East the best it can be and I'm eager to engage with residents and address the pressing issues in the constituency.

"I am humbled and honoured to have been selected as the Conservative parliamentary candidate for Exmouth & Exeter East.

"With a strong work ethic and a commitment to long-term solutions, I am ready to serve the entire constituency diligently."

Simon Jupp, the current MP for East Devon, who will be standing for the new Honiton and Sidmouth constituency in the next general election, has congratulated David and welcomed him to the team.

He said: "Congratulations to David on his selection as the Conservative candidate for Exmouth & Exeter East.

"I am looking forward to working with him to help build on my work to secure £15.7m to deliver the Dinan Way extension, regeneration around Exmouth’s train station and a brand new state-of-the-art police station for the town.”

"As David Reed prepares to take on this important responsibility, he is keen to collaborate with the community, build a strong foundation and work tirelessly to address the concerns and aspirations of Exmouth & Exeter East constituents."