Ian Roome elected as Member of Parliament for North Devon

The Liberal Democrats rose to victory in North Devon with Ian Roome elected as the Member of Parliament for North Devon in the 2024 General Election, unseating the incumbent Conservative MP.

Ian Roome, who has lived in North Devon since 1989 following his RAF posting at Chivenor, has a long history of service to the community. He has been a councillor for nearly twenty years, served as Mayor of Barnstaple three times, and led North Devon Council. Roome is also known for his extensive charity work. 

Roome's winning campaign focused on critical local issues, including improving healthcare services, addressing the cost of living crisis, and tackling environmental concerns such as sewage pollution in local rivers and beaches. His background in health services, housing and other community work has equipped him to address these challenges effectively.

Ian Roome, Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for North Devon, commented: "I am honored to have been elected to represent North Devon in Parliament. This is a victory for our community and a clear message that we are ready for change. For too long, the Conservative government and our incumbent MP have taken North Devon for granted, failing to address the essential needs of our area.

"Healthcare services have been stretched to their limits, our beautiful rivers and beaches have suffered from ongoing sewage pollution, and the cost of living has skyrocketed under their watch. It's time for a new approach, centred in localism. We've had enough of Westminster's voice in North Devon. I will be North Devon's champion in Parliament.

"I am committed to reducing NHS waiting lists, ensuring everyone has access to a GP and dentist, and protecting our environment from further degradation. We will transform our water companies to prioritize public benefit over executive bonuses and enforce stricter regulations to prevent sewage dumping. And there's so much more. Together, I know we can achieve better for North Devon.

"As one united North Devon, we will build a brighter future for our area, one where every resident can thrive. I look forward to working tirelessly on your behalf and making sure our community's voice is heard loud and clear in Westminster."

As MP, Roome plans to prioritise tackling the crisis in our NHS, securing fair treatment for local farmers, and enhancing environmental protections. He aims to transform failing water companies into public benefit companies and implement policies to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. He also notes there are a number of important local issues he will bring to the fore in Westminster, including housing; underfunding of education and children's services; and poor local transport.