The Conservative Party has announced Meg Powell-Chandler as their candidate for the new seat of Wells and Mendip Hills.

Ms Powell-Chandler, who is "West Country born and bred", was selected during a meeting of the local Conservative Association on Sunday.

The candidate states they are committed to "backing our farmers" and "supporting farmers to get the best deal for their produce and being their champion locally and in Westminster."

Ms Powell-Chandler has said she will focus on "tackling flooding" by "working with landowners to put pressure on the Environment Agency and the Council to introduce more flood defences and increase dredging in our rivers."

The candidate has said she is committed to "improving education standards" and plans to "work with schools and colleges to make sure every child gets a first-class education, and parents have the choice of a good local school."

She has also called for "action on healthcare so that local communities get access to the GPs, dentists, and the healthcare they need". In addition, she is calling for more investment in our towns, cities, and villages, and backing for businesses.

Ms Powell-Chandler previously worked at No.10 Downing Street and in departments like Education, Communities and Local Government and Culture, and Media & Sport.

Following her selection, Meg Powell-Chandler said:"I am absolutely thrilled to be selected as the Conservative candidate for Wells and Mendip Hills. Having spent weeks knocking on doors and speaking to local people they want an active champion who knows how to get things done - and I will be just that.

“I will be a bold champion for local communities and businesses, working day in and day out to deliver for the people of Wells and Mendip Hills.”