EDDC leader set to learn MP candidate fate

THE Conservatives will announce their next Parliamentary candidate for Totnes in the next few hours- with East Devon District Council leader Sara Randall-Johnson in the running.

THE Conservatives will announce their next Parliamentary candidate for Totnes in the next few hours- with East Devon District Council leader Sara Randall-Johnson in the running.

It is the first time a British party has conducted a postal ballot of all voters - regardless of party membership - to select a prospective MP.

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

Ms Randall-Johnson, a Devon county councillor for Honiton St Michael's and district councillor for the Ottery St Mary rural ward, has mad ethe shortlist alongside Torbay mayor Nick Bye and Chagford GP Dr Sarah Wollaston made the shortlist.

A result is expected around 12.30pm.

The nature of the contest means people who belong to different political parties can take part in the selection process.

Conservative leader David Cameron said the process was "the first time any political party in Britain has sought the views of the voters in such a direct way".

Retiring MP Anthony Steen stepped down after details of his expenses claims over four years were published in the Daily Telegraph.

The newspaper said he claimed �87,000 over four years for his country home, including paying a forestry expert to inspect his trees.

Later he was reprimanded by party leader David Cameron.

Party chairman Eric Pickles has said a 15 per cent turnout, that of about 10,000 voters, would be considered a good turnout.