East Devon’s parliamentary runner-up, Claire Wright, has not ruled out standing again in the next election.

The independent candidate put up a strong fight to finish second in the constituency with 13,140 of the votes (24 per cent).

But she failed to oust incumbent Hugo Swire, who won 25,401 votes - increasing his majority by 3,147.

Mrs Wright said although she had desperately wanted to be East Devon’s next MP, she is proud of the result.

“I’m humbled and honoured by all the East Devon people who voted for me and put their trust in me,” she said.

“Obviously I would have liked to have won.

“When I started out, I thought I would win.

“It was not to be and I think the national picture probably reflected the local picture.

“I have to say full credit to my team for the support they have given me.”

When asked if she would stand in East Devon again, Mrs Wright said: “If there was another election this year, I would run.

“In five years, I do not know.”