A Chulmleigh teacher and Devon County Councillor has been selected as the Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Central Devon, promising to be a strong, independent voice for Devon in Westminster.
Ed Tyldesley, who represents Chulmleigh and Landkey on the county council, has built a reputation as a hardworking local councillor who is prepared to ask difficult questions, challenge powerful organisations and speak up when he believes local people are being let down.
Ian Roome, Liberal Democrat MP for North Devon, said: "Working closely with Ed in his role as a county councillor, I have seen just how hard he works for his residents.
"When there is something he knows my team can help with, he is straight on the phone and relentless until the issue is fixed.
"He is compassionate, brave, and cares deeply about the people he represents. I know Ed would be a formidable voice for Central Devon in parliament, speaking up on the issues that truly matter in their communities."
Ed has become well known locally for his campaigning over sewage pollution and South West Water.
He says: "When a huge company is polluting our rivers, I don't care how powerful it is.
"South West Water needs to understand that people in Devon are sick of paying higher bills while watching sewage pour into the places we love. I will keep holding them to account."
His environmental campaigning reflects his wider belief that protecting nature should be at the heart of political decision-making, particularly in a rural constituency where farming, tourism, rivers and the natural environment are so closely connected.
He has also been raising the alarm over the spread of bluetongue in Devon and spoken up for families affected by the temporary suspension of birthing services at North Devon District Hospital.
He says: "I care deeply about equality and fairness, and I think one of the most important things an elected representative can do is make sure people who are usually talked about are actually listened to.
"You cannot promise to fix everything as a politician. But you can promise to listen, to work hard, to tell people the truth and to fight as hard as you can on their behalf."
Ed adds: "Our communities face enormous challenges. Rural public transport is inadequate.
"People struggle to see a GP or dentist. Farmers are taken for granted. Our rivers are being polluted.
"Young people are being priced out of the communities they grew up in. And too often decisions about rural Devon are made by people who simply do not understand it.
"Central Devon deserves an MP who will be relentless about those issues.
"Someone who will be there at the parish council meeting as well as in the House of Commons. Someone who will stand alongside our farmers, teachers, NHS staff, small businesses and community volunteers. Someone who is proud to represent Devon and never forgets who sent them to Westminster in the first place."
If you have questions for him, you can find him on Facebook – Ed Tyldesley for Central Devon. Or email him on [email protected]
Tyldesley Selected as Lib Dem Candidate for Central Devon