EX-DISTRICT and town councillor Marie Chadwick has been chosen by Lib Dems as their parliamentary candidate for the Newton Abbot seat in next month’s General Election.

A packed meeting of local party members unanimously supported the former Teignbridge district and Newton Abbot town councillor.

She was more popularly known as Marie Jenkins until getting married last year.

Marie represented the College ward in Newton Abbot from 2007 to 2013 and has a strong campaigning background, having fought plans to close Newton Abbot Magistrates’ Court and worked for the Royal National Institute of Blind People.

Marie said: ‘I am honoured to be contesting Newton Abbot for the Lib Dems at this election.

‘Residents across Teignbridge keep telling me that they feel let down by the Conservative MP who has consistently voted for government policies which disregard the needs of our community.’

She argued: ‘Conservative cuts have meant less money for our schools and vital health services.

‘Changes to benefits are leaving disabled people, those who care for them and families, struggling to make ends meet.’

She promised: ‘My priority is to ensure that Newton Abbot constituency gets a fair deal from Government and that local people have an MP who is accessible and values their participation and input into decision-making for the future.’

She added: ‘Over many years, Liberal Democrats locally have had a reputation for listening and acting on residents’ concerns. I will bring a fresh face and build on their enthusiasm to ensure that local people have a voice in this election.

‘I always hope to be Newton Abbot constituency’s voice in Westminster, rather than Westminster’s voice in Newton Abbot.’

Local Lib Dem constituency chairman Martin Wrigley, said: ‘Marie is a strong voice for the community with a record of campaigning - and she will go into this election fighting for the people of the Newton Abbot constituency.

‘I have thanked Richard Younger-Ross for all his work over very many years serving the community locally and nationally.

‘Richard decided to step down - and we are delighted that Marie, with her local background and knowledge, is standing here on June 8.’