The Liberal Democrats launched their campaign for the Exmouth and Exeter East constituency on Saturday (June 2).

Supporters gathered at Exmouth Football Club to mark the official campaign launch of Paul Arnott, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Exmouth and East Exeter.

Other candidates standing in Exmouth and East Exeter constituencies include David Reed for the Conservatives, Helen Dallimore for the Labour Party, Olly Davey, Green Party and Daniel Wilson for the Independents, and Garry Sutherland for the Reform Party.

The Lib Dems say they 'are currently positioned as the main challenger to the Conservatives in the new constituency.'

Cllr Arnott has been leader of East Devon District Council heading up a Democratic Alliance of LibDems, Independents and Greens for the last five years.

Independent candidate, who stood in the 2029 election Claire Wright is backing Arnott and the Lib Dems because “only the Lib Dems can beat the Tories in the contest for the seat”.

She added: “I am backing Paul to win because he is decent, hard-working and tough, but also incredibly compassionate with a laser-like focus, leaving no stone unturned when justice is at stake. Paul will make a strong and wonderful MP.”

Cllr Arnott, added: “Both myself and Claire share the same values and we hope that the thousands upon thousands of constituents who were loyal to her will lend their votes to myself, resulting in a win for the Lib Dems – and ultimately, a win for the people of Exmouth and East Exeter.”

He told his supporters: “I never wanted to become a parish councillor in 2007, but I had to because of the sitcom that was playing out on my doorstep which wasn’t serving the people well.

“I never wanted to become a district councillor in 2019 but due to the well-known concerns about Conservative probity in planning, I had to. I did not expect to become Council Leader in 2020, leading it through and beyond the Pandemic.

“It was never in my life’s plan to run for a member of parliament, but I was asked to by many people. Now I can draw on the depth of my experience to make a difference where it’s so desperately needed.

“I am honoured the Lib Dems have put their trust in me and I will seize this opportunity to make things better here for everyone.”