THE Conservative Party has confirmed that Sir Ashley Fox has been selected as the party candidate for Bridgwater.

Ian Liddell-Grainger, the Conservative MP for Bridgwater and West Somerset, will contest the newly formed Tiverton and Minehead seat at the next general election, which must be held before January 28, 2025.

Following his selection, Mr Fox said: "My family comes from Somerset, and I am delighted to have been chosen by the membership of Bridgwater.

"Bridgwater is a great place for businesses large and small to invest. I want to make sure that the Government is always on their side."

He added: "I am looking forward to being a strong voice for Bridgwater, Burnham and Highbridge and all our rural communities. I want to make sure that every part of this new constituency receives its fair share of investment.”

Mr Fox is married with two grown up children.

He is a former MEP for the South West of England and Gibraltar, where he served for 10 years and was leader of the British Conservatives for four years.

He is a qualified solicitor and is now self-employed, running a consulting business.

The Conservative Party has said  Mr Fox will focus particularly on the challenges faced by many in the area including reducing the cost of living, tackling crime, and reducing NHS waiting lists.