A former BBC journalist, originally from Devon, has been announced as the new Conservative parliamentary candidate for East Devon.

Simon Jupp was chosen at a selection meeting at Exmouth Community College on Saturday, attended by more than a hundred local Conservative members. Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner, Alison Hernandez, moderated the debate of candidates.

Simon's priorities for East Devon are, 'ensuring that East Devon is a safe, secure and flourishing community attracting investment in business and infrastructure.

The former journalist, who has worked on local radio across Devon before moving to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, wants to see fast broadband for every house and business across the entire constituency, as well as greater investment in road and rail infrastructure.

Simon is also keen to help local people get on the housing ladder and has said he will do everything he can to support farmers and businesses to thrive.

"I'm very proud to be selected as the Conservative Parliamentary candidate for East Devon," said Simon, aged 34.

"I'm determined to ensure the democratic will of East Devon is delivered and I'm looking forward to continuing to knock on doors, listening to local people and addressing their concerns.

"Sir Hugo Swire has done so much over the past 18 years for East Devon. The community hospital at Ottery St Mary would not have been saved without his intervention."

Most recently Simon has worked as a Special Advisor to the Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab.

During that time Simon has been at the core of UK foreign policy, working hard to support Britain's global diplomatic efforts and ensuring that Britain is ready and well-placed to deal with the future.

Mr Jupp will be competing in this December's General Election against Independent Claire Wright, the Labour Party's Daniel Wilson and Liberal Democrat Eleanor Rylance.

Councillor Bruce De Saram, Chairman of East Devon Conservative Association, said: "We had a strong field of candidates and I congratulate Simon for being selected.

"We look forward to supporting Simon in his work to represent and support the interests of all the citizens of East Devon in parliament and more widely."

Sir Hugo Swire, outgoing MP for East Devon, said: "It is delightful that Simon Jupp has been selected as the next Conservative prospective parliamentary candidate and hopefully East Devon's next Conservative MP."

He added: "I know Simon well and have worked with him previously and am certain that he will prove a great local champion for all constituents of East Devon. I am sure that in this critical election Simon will increase the Conservative vote to more than 50% and I wish him every success in achieving this."

Current East Devon MP Sir Hugo Swire announced in September this year he would be standing down.