Local residents have a narrow window to join the Conservative Party and secure a vote in choosing the candidate who will challenge sitting Liberal Democrat MP Rachel Gilmour at the next general election.
The Tiverton & Minehead Conservative Association has confirmed it will hold a members-only hustings later this year to select its parliamentary candidate. Under Conservative Party rules, only members who have held membership for at least three months before the hustings are eligible to vote.
The seat, created at the 2023 boundary review, is currently held by the Liberal Democrats with one of their smallest majorities in the country, making it one of the most realistically winnable seats in the South West for the Conservatives at the next election.
Paul Osman, Chairman of the Tiverton & Minehead Conservative Association, said "This is a genuine opportunity for local people to shape who represents them. Our hustings will give every eligible member a direct vote. A proper contest decided by the people who live and work in this constituency. I would warmly encourage anyone who shares our values to join now, meet the candidates, and have their say. Membership starts at just £12 a year for under-30s, and the three-month qualifying period means the time to act is now."
The Liberal Democrats, who currently hold the seat, have voted with the Labour Government on a series of measures opposed by many who live and work in Tiverton and Minehead. These include the Clean Heat Market Mechanism, which critics warn will increase the cost of oil boilers, and the Renters' Rights Act, which opponents argue will drive up costs for both tenants and landlords. The Conservatives, who finished second to the Liberal Democrats at the last election, are widely regarded as the principal challengers in the constituency.
Membership rates are £41 per year (standard), £27 (Armed Forces), and £12 (under 30). Prospective members can join at membership.conservatives.com/membership/Levels.
