Former Conservative MPs discuss party's defeat

Alex Chalk, former justice secretary, lost his seat in Cheltenham after nine years as an MP

Two former West Country MPs have spoken out about the Conservative Party's defeat, and what they believe will happen in the future.

Ex-Cheltenham MP Alex Chalk said there are "seasons in politics", when "there is a time to live and a time to die".

"As governments go on, they make mistakes and there were mistakes made, I think it's inevitable in a 14-year cycle," he added.

Meanwhile, former MP for Swindon North, Justin Tomlinson, said he had "absolutely no doubt" the party "will brush itself down" and "ultimately return to government one day".

The former Justice secretary told the BBC that you have to "like people" to go into politics". Mr Chalk is now looking to make a return to his law profession.

"Law is my first love. I expect to go back to the law in some shape or form.

"I think I just need to take a breather and get a job - let's see what the next act shows in due course," he added.

Justin Tomlinson visiting a nursery in Wiltshire with Rishi Sunak

Mr Tomlinson said he was "incredibly fortunate" to serve his community for 24 years.

His journey in politics began by complaining about an overgrown hedge at the end of his road.

"It turned out to be part of my rented property.

"And the councillor, when he stopped laughing, then said if you care that much about the community you should stand for the council," he added.

He believes there were "many things" in the last few years that tested "beyond the point of acceptability with the public.

"We frankly deserved to lose," he said. "Governments of all persuasions since the dawn of time eventually run out of steam and the new team with fresh ideas get a go and we go round again.

"I have absolutely no doubt the Conservative Party will brush itself down and will be a respectable opposition and will ultimately return to government one day but only when they deserve to."