I want to be the voice of North Devon in Parliament and not the voice of Parliament in North Devon

We all know that the next general election will be crucial for our country. So I am honored to have been chosen as the Liberal Democrat candidate for North Devon.

I am a simple Yorkshireman who has made Barnstaple my home for the past 34 years, during which I have served my community through work, local politics and fundraising.

I love the area and feel lucky to have raised my family here after the RAF was posted to Chivenor in 1989. I came here by accident, but I stayed here voluntarily.

I hope to represent the people of North Devon at Westminster and that their voices will be heard. Having worked in healthcare and housing, I understand the pressures people face.

I have served the community in my charity work and in Barnstaple by being an elected councilor at town, borough and district level. I can see that North Devon faces huge challenges and we are currently frustrated by the cost of living crisis, the lack of policy action to protect our environment and the lack of affordable housing and opportunities. We need better paying jobs and proper training for our young people.

According to a recent report on social mobility from the University of Exeter, there is a lack of a strong political voice advocating for our region at national level, unlike for example the Northern Powerhouse movement.

Instead, the politicians here believe that things are “okay”. I want to challenge that and ensure that I am the voice of North Devon in Parliament and not the voice of Parliament in North Devon.

Housing is something I feel passionately about and it is something where people in North Devon are being let down, victims of the growing second home and holiday market. Second homes have left places like Croyde, Mortehoe and Georgeham ghost towns in winter but packed to the brim in summer.

I pledge a sincere commitment to serve the constituency of North Devon, the place where my children were born and the area I love. If I can help you with any issues or advice please contact me on ian@northdevonlibdems.org.uk

Written by Ian Roome, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for North Devon