‘The privilege of my life’: Former North Devon MP thanks those who voted for her

The General Election in North Devon saw sitting Conservative MP Selaine Saxby lose her seat and her majority of 15,000 overturned as voters turned against the Government.

Ms Saxby polled 15,076 votes but the emerging Reform UK also gained 8,137 votes for its North Devon candidate Nigel James.

In a statement released on Monday, Ms Saxby said being MP for North Devon ‘has been the privilege of my life’.

She said: “I have worked tirelessly for over four years for the people of North Devon, our communities, businesses, schools and charities.

“Thank you to those of you that did still put their confidence in me on July 4. I know for many it was a difficult decision and not a vote for the party I stood for.

“For the sake of our great country, I wish the incoming government well, and whilst there is little evidence that they understand rurality, I do hope that they come to recognise the vast contribution that the countryside and our coastal communities make and the support that they need.

“There was nothing I could have done locally to stop the tide of anti-Conservative voting on the July 4, but I do hope that will now mean that local politics can resume a politer tone.”

Ms Saxby referred to defaced posters, flyposting and ‘very personal abuse on social media’ and said those that worked for and with politicians ‘should not have to endure the endless abuse and vile comments on social media’.

She did not specify any particular incidents of culprits, but added: “I never wanted to be in a position where the Home Office were advising security at public hustings as they did in this campaign, but politics has become a more dangerous place nationally.

“And locally, to have opposition councillors contact my team during the campaign because they were so upset about how I was being treated I think rather sums up much of the last four years.”

Finally, she offered her best wishes to her successor, saying: “I of course wish Ian Roome, the new MP for North Devon the best in representing all our interests. Being an MP is more than a full time job, it is your entire life, you take responsibility and often blame for everything and anything, particularly if you sit on the government benches.

“My office will remain open for a period to ensure a smooth transition. If you would like the new MP to have copies of your previous correspondence and details of your case, please do contact me at selaine.saxby.mp@parliament.uk.

“Thank you again for all of your support and in particular to all of my staff past and present who have done so much work behind the scenes to support me but also support you.”