EDDC leader loses Conservative parlimentary race

EAST Devon District Council leader Sara Randall-Johnson has missed out in her bid to become the Conservative parliamentary candidate for Totnes.

EAST Devon District Council leader Sara Randall-Johnson has missed out in her bid to become the Conservative parliamentary candidate for Totnes.

Miss Randall-Johnson, a district councillor for the Ottery St Mary Rural ward and county councillor for the Honiton St Michael's ward, was beaten by Chagford GP Dr Sarah Wollaston in the race to represent the party at the next general election.

Dr Wollaston bagged 7,914 votes with Miss Randall-Johnson close behind with 5,495.

All 69,000 Totnes voters were sent a postal ballot, the first time a British party has done so to select a candidate.

Totnes MP Anthony Steen is stepping down at the next general election after a row about his expenses.