CENTRAL Devon Liberal Democrats have announced that Alex White will be their General Election prospective parliamentary candidate on Thursday, June 8.

Alex from the constituency village of Chawleigh, who works in business and IT, said he sees this as a two horse race for people in Central Devon and says: “With Labour struggling and UKIP in disarray, we can cause a massive upset in the upcoming general election. Our team will be fighting for every vote.”

Liberal Democrat Constituency Chairman John Farrand-Rogers says: “Through his local roots, Alex cares deeply about the area and the people who live here. He knows and understands the challenges that people face. Alex wants to alleviate disadvantages, secure a far better quality of life for older people, deliver a fairer society and provide the highest standards of education within our schools.”

On being reselected Alex said: "I am delighted to be given the opportunity to fight to be the MP for such a beautiful part of the world that I am proud to call my home. Central Devon currently has a Conservative MP, Conservative Government, Conservative Councils and what have we got to show for it?

"Cuts threatening vital services at our hospitals, school budgets are in turmoil and social care is in crisis with residential care homes closed. So what sort of MP does Central Devon want?

"An MP who will always do the Government’s bidding, follow the party line and do what is best for their career? Or a strong, independently-minded campaigner, who will stand up for the area and do what is best for everyone in Central Devon?

"Brexit will be one of the many issues that this Parliament will need to tackle. The British people have spoken in the referendum and we have decided to leave.

"However, we have not decided on the terms upon which we are leaving and the British people deserve a choice. The extreme form of hard Brexit with Theresa May or staying in the single market with the Liberal Democrats?

"My priority is to ensure that our farmers do not lose out when European subsidies have gone and Central Devon manufacturers have maximum opportunity to export to Europe. A vote for the Lib Dems will give our country the opposition it so desperately needs and with your support, we can win in Central Devon.”

Alan Quick