THE Liberal Democrats have chosen their candidate to fight the next general Election in Torridge and Tavistock.

Phil Hutty, who was first selected in January last year, will take on Conservative MP Sir Geoffrey Cox, who has been re-selected by the Tories to contest the seat again.

At the last election the Conservative majority was slashed from 25,000 to less than 4,000, and Mr Hutty says he is eager to ‘finish the job’.

“It is a privilege to stand for an area whose spirit I know and appreciate so well,” he said. “With the two main parties in disarray, these are uncertain times for politics, and I know many people feel ignored or overruled by central government decisions.

“I will continue to listen and work with residents so that, whenever the next election comes, I will be a strong voice for the people of Torridge and Tavistock.”

Chris West, the chair of Torridge and Tavistock Liberal Democrats, said he was delighted to see Mr Hutty confirmed as prospective parliamentary candidate.

“He is already well known to voters for his tireless campaigning activity, and there is no doubt that he is the man to turn our constituency orange,” said Mr West.

“Lib Dem rules required us to organise a new selection process and, with the seat now considered the eighth most winnable in the country, there were other strong candidates contending for the role. The result shows how much what Phil has already achieved is appreciated by our members.”

Residents have been able to meet Mr Hutty to discuss their concerns at regular street stalls in Tavistock and at agricultural shows in Holsworthy and Stratton and Woolsery.