Tiverton and Honiton by-election: Ex-Army major in for Lib Dems

Richard Foord: The former Army major will be trying to overturn a large Conservative majority from the 2019 general election

The Liberal Democrats have announced their candidate for the forthcoming Tiverton and Honiton by-election.

Former Army major Richard Foord, from Uffculme, will be standing in the Devon by-election on 23 June.

The by-election was triggered when Tory Neil Parish stood down after admitting watching pornography in Parliament.

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said the party had a "mountain to climb", but it was "excited" about the "great candidate".

Neil Parish, who stood down after he admitted watching pornography in Parliament, has said he is considering seeking re-election

Mr Parish has said he is considering seeking re-election.

He was MP for the Tiverton and Honiton constituency for 12 years, but resigned after twice viewing porn on his phone in the chamber.

Mr Davey said the party had a "strong tradition" in the region, but added "clearly there are challenges" referencing the Conservatives securing a 24,239 majority at the 2019 General Election.

"We're excited, we've got a great candidate and we think there's a chance we could pull off a by-election shock," he said.