LOCAL MP Rebecca Pow has been selected to stand for the Conservatives in a revised Taunton constituency when the next General Election is called.

Ms Pow who represented the Wellington and Wiveliscombe areas since 2015, was re-adopted by Conservative Party members at a meeting held in the Great Western Hotel, Taunton.

She said: “I am honoured to have been selected to stand for the new Taunton constituency.

“Under the most recent boundary review, the current Taunton Deane constituency boundaries are being redrawn for the next election.

“Taunton has been my home for over 30 years, where I have worked and brought up my family, and where I am incredibly proud to live.

“Since I was first elected, I have worked hard to represent my constituents and have a successful record of delivering for Taunton Deane where I have worked effectively on the ground with stakeholders on a range of projects right up to Government level in Westminster.”

Ms Pow said her achievements as an MP included keeping 40 Commando Royal Marines in Norton Fitzwarren, securing funding for new theatres in Musgrove Park Hospital, and working to achieve the expansion of M5 junction 25.

She said an upgrade of Taunton Railway Station had been completed with multi-storey car park and the new road junction leading to it, which was now underway, plus additional funding for cycling and walking access through Taunton’s Firepool site.

Ms Pow said the Wellington Monument restoration project was a tremendous success story, following a £4 million campaign which she spearheaded, supported by the local community and the National Trust, to access major Government funding.

“It is now one of the jewels in the crown in our area, open for all to enjoy,” said Ms Pow. 

“I will continue to work as ever putting the constituency at the heart of all I do and continuing with ongoing projects, including the full upgrade of Musgrove Park Hospital, a rail station for Wellington with an associated cycleway from Taunton to Wellington, as well as working with the education and business communities to ensure the constituency creates the jobs, skills, and training opportunities we need for the future.”

The next General Election has to be held no later than January, 2025.

The Taunton Deane constituency will lose many areas such as Wiveliscombe, Cotford St Luke, Oake, and Milverton which will become part of the new neighbouring Tiverton and Minehead seat.

Ms Pow has been campaigning to have the new constituency named 'Taunton and Wellington' to reflect its two main urban communities.