East Devon's Liberal Democrat Party has 'welcomed' an announcement from the area's current Conservative MP that he will be standing down at the next election.

A spokesman for the party said the Liberal Democrats 'are looking forward to the fight' and expect a 'much more open contest'.

In a tweet sent out late last night (September 12) current East Devon MP Sir Hugo Swire announced he remained a supporter of Boris Johnson but will be standing down at the next General Election.

Nub News contacted the East Devon Liberal Democrat Association for its take on the news and what this means for the next General Election in East Devon.

East Devon Liberal Democrat spokesman, Stuart Mole, said: "The announcement of Hugo Swire's retirement will be welcomed by many. For too long, East Devon has been taken for granted and the quality of our parliamentary representation has suffered as a result.

"As this constituency faces an imminent general election, we can expect a much more open contest than in the past and a real chance to rid East Devon of the curse of 'safe seat syndrome'. It is a prospect that Liberal Democrats will relish.

"Support for the Liberal Democrats nationally, and in Devon itself, is riding high. We are firmly established as the leading 'Remain' party and have selected an excellent candidate, local councillor Eleanor Rylance, to contest the East Devon constituency. We are prepared and looking forward to the fight."

If you would like to find out how the Conservative Party will select a new candidate for East Devon, click the red button below.