New MP calls for "one united North Devon"

New MP calls for “one united North Devon”

An unseasonal cool rain was being blown by a brisk breeze outside Barnstaple’s Tarka Leisure Centre, as acting Returning Officer Ken Miles announced at 3.50am on Friday, July 5th that Ian Roome of the Liberal Democrats had been elected as the new MP for North Devon.

He ousted the Conservative Selaine Saxby, who had held the seat since 2019, with a majority of 6,744 - a swing of more than 12%. Nigel James of Reform UK came third, with Labour’s Nicky Edwards in fourth, followed by Cas Lay of Green Party with Independent candidate Steve Cotten finishing last (a full list of results is on page 20).

Speaking to Molton Monthly after being elected, Ian Roome, Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for North Devon, said, “I am honoured to have been elected to represent North Devon in Parliament. This is a victory for our community and a clear message that we are ready for change. For too long, the Conservative government and our incumbent MP have taken North Devon for granted, failing to address the essential needs of our area.”

“Healthcare services have been stretched to their limits, our beautiful rivers and beaches have suffered from sewage pollution, and the cost of living has skyrocketed under their watch. It’s time for a new approach, centred in localism. I will be North Devon’s champion in Parliament.”

“I am committed to reducing NHS waiting lists, ensuring everyone has access to a GP and dentist,” he continued.

“As one united North Devon, we will build a brighter future for our area, one where every resident can thrive. I look forward to working tirelessly on your behalf and making sure our community’s voice is heard loud and clear in Westminster.”

Ian Roome MP - key issues: tackling the crisis in the NHS; securing fair treatment for local farmers; enhancing environmental protections; reforming water companies; housing in North Devon; underfunding of education and children’s services; poor local transport; implementing policies to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045.

Continued on page 20

Above, newly elected Lib Dem MP Ian Roome delivers his winner’s speech, as defeated Conservative Selaine Saxby (far right) looks on with the candidates from the other parties

Outgoing MP Selaine Saxby told Molton Monthly, “Being the MP for North Devon has been the privilege of my life. I have worked tirelessly for over four years for the people of North Devon, our communities, businesses, schools and charities.”

“Thank you to those of you that did still put their confidence in me on July 4th. I know for many it was a difficult decision, and not a vote for the party I stood for.”

She also spoke of the “very personal and vile abuse” received on social media, saying she hoped politics would resume “a politer tone”.

“I wish Ian Roome, the new MP for North Devon, the best in representing all our interests. Being an MP is more than a full time job, it is your entire life. You take responsibility and are often blamed for everything and anything, particularly if you sit on the government benches.” Political commentators described the results as an ‘electoral earthquake’ in the South West, as seats switched from Tory to both Liberal Democrat and Labour across large swathes of the region.

North Devon has had a history of flipping between the ‘Liberals’ and Conservatives since the 1950s. The last Lib Dem MP here was Nick Harvey who lost the seat he had held since 1992 to Tory Peter Heanton-Jones at the 2015 General Election.