Conservative candidate Simon Jupp wins in East Devon

Conservative Simon Jupp will now represent Exmouth in the House of Commons after winning the East Devon seat in yesterday's General Election with a majority of more than 6,700.

Simon Jupp fought off stiff competition from Independent Claire Wright, Liberal Democrat Eleanor Rylance, Labour's Dan Wilson, Green Henry Gent and Independent Peter Faithfull.

The election results for East Devon were declared at 4.50am today (December 13) by Acting Returning Officer Mark Williams.

THE RESULTS:

Conservative Party – Simon Jupp: 32,577 votes.

Independent – Claire Wright: 25,869 votes

Liberal Democrat Party – Eleanor Rylance: 1,771 votes.

Labour Party – Dan Wilson: 2,870 votes.

Green Party – Henry Gent: 711 votes.

Independent – Peter Faithfull: 275 votes.

The East Devon election turnout was 73.6% a slight increase on the turnout for the last General Election in 2017. A total of 64,223 ballot papers were issued and there were 150 rejected ballot papers.

At the last General Election Conservative MP Sir Hugo Swire secured 29,306 votes, 48.5%. Runner up, Independent Claire Wright, attracted 21,270 votes, 35.2%.

Sir Hugo was replaced as the Conservative candidate for East Devon by former journalist, radio DJ and special advisor to the Foreign Office Simon Jupp.

Simon's priorities for East Devon are, 'ensuring that East Devon is a safe, secure and flourishing community attracting investment in business and infrastructure.

The former journalist, who has worked on local radio across Devon before moving to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, wants to see fast broadband for every house and business across the entire constituency, as well as greater investment in road and rail infrastructure.

Simon is also keen to help local people get on the housing ladder and has said he will do everything he can to support farmers and businesses to thrive.

"I'm very proud to be selected as the Conservative Parliamentary candidate for East Devon," said Simon, aged 34, speaking before the election.

"I'm determined to ensure the democratic will of East Devon is delivered and I'm looking forward to continuing to knock on doors, listening to local people and addressing their concerns.

"Sir Hugo Swire has done so much over the past 18 years for East Devon. The community hospital at Ottery St Mary would not have been saved without his intervention."

Most recently Simon has worked as a Special Advisor to the Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab.

Jupp's main challenger Independent Claire Wright campaigned on issues such as NHS cuts, the environment and securing a second referendum on Boris Johnson's EU Withdrawal Agreement.

The East Devon constituency has been held by a Conservative since the seat was created more than 150 years ago.