North Devon welcomes new MP

North Devon has elected Ian Roome of the Liberal Democrats as their new Member of Parliament. 

The result marks a political shift away from the Conservative Party, with the constituency turning yellow following a spirited electoral contest.

Mr Roome secured his position with 21,820 votes, taking the seat from sitting Conservative Selaine Saxby who recieved 15,076 votes.

Reform came in third with 8,137 votes. 

Mr Roome, a North Devon councillor representing the Liberal Democrats for Barnstaple, has an extensive record of public service. 

He is currently leader of North Devon Council and has been actively involved in various charitable and community initiatives.

Born in Sheffield, Yorkshire, in 1968, Ian has resided in Barnstaple, Devon, for the past 35 years. 

His early career included service in the Royal Air Force (Telecommunications), where he was stationed at RAF Chivenor following a posting in Germany. 

During the first Gulf War, he was drafted to work in Whitehall, demonstrating his commitment and adaptability.

After his military service, Mr Roome worked as a coach driver before transitioning to a role as a community mental health worker within the NHS, covering areas such as Ilfracombe, Braunton, Lynton, and Combe Martin. 

His political career began in 2003 when he was elected to the Barnstaple Town Council. Notably, he served as Mayor of Barnstaple three times and led a successful fundraising campaign in 2018 to save Age Concern Barnstaple and District from financial difficulties.

Ian is a qualified member of the Institute of Leadership & Management.

His role as the leader of North Devon District Council involved overseeing critical economic investments, tourism, and property management, including the successful acquisition of Green Lanes shopping centre in Barnstaple.

In 2019, he was elected with a substantial majority to represent Barnstaple North on Devon County Council. 

Beyond his political duties, Mr Roome enjoys watching rugby, particularly the Exeter Chiefs, and loves exploring Exmoor and North Devon's beautiful beaches with his family. 

According to the Lib Dems’ website, he is also an avid traveller and motorcycle enthusiast. 

The rest of the results go as follows:

• Selaine Saxby, Conservatives - 15,076
• Nigel James, Reform - 8,137
• Nicky Edwards, Labour - 3,216
• Cas Lay, Green - 2,348
• Stephen Cotten, Independent - 820

The turnout was 65 percent, with 79,068 registered voters.