↓↓↓ Negative
Person taken to hospital after North Devon house fire
A person was taken to hospital following a house fire in North Devon. The article provides minimal detail beyond this incident summary.
LD regained this seat from Con — last held it in 2010.
Current Member of Parliament
Ian Roome
Liberal DemocratsIan Roome is the Liberal Democrat MP for North Devon, and has been an MP continually since 4 July 2024.
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Sign up freeVoting at a Glance
MP in the News
Coverage of North Devon has been mixed for Ian across 40 recent articles.
Represented by LD since 2024. Covers Barnstaple, Ilfracombe and Braunton. Population 98,593, notably older (median age 48 vs 41 nationally). Median income £25K (below average).
Latest News
Person taken to hospital after North Devon house fire
Devon Live · 9 Apr 2026
2024 General Election
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Sign up freeLocal Economy
Median Income▼
£24,900
per year (HMRC 2022-23)
Mean Income▼
£32,800
per year (HMRC 2022-23)
Businesses▼
5,080
VAT/PAYE registered (ONS 2024)
Schools▼
59
47 primary, 6 secondary, 6 other
Income Tax Contribution
Total Income Tax▼
£223m
from 50,000 taxpayers
Median Tax▼
£2,230
per taxpayer / year
Mean Tax
£4,490
per taxpayer / year
33,000 employed (66%)16,000 pensioners (32%)9,000 self-employed (18%)
Source: HMRC Survey of Personal Incomes, tax year 2022-23. Allocated by taxpayer residence. Covers income tax only — excludes NI, VAT, and capital gains. Sample-based estimate (~8% confidence interval).
Education Performance
Attainment 8▼
46.1
average score (DfE)
GCSE Pass Rate▼
66.6%
5+ GCSEs 9-4 (DfE)
Settlements
1 large town, 5 towns, 10 villages, rural areas — 98,605 total population
Large town 30%
Town 49%
Village 22%
Rural 19%
Large town: 29,369Town: 48,078Village: 21,158Rural: 18,698
Source: ONS Built-Up Areas (Census 2021) + data.police.uk — crime rates are per 1,000 population (last 3 months)
Recorded Crime
14.7
Per 1,000 pop. (3mo)
4.9-29% national avg
Monthly avg per 1,000 pop.
Violence & sexual offences
Top category
Violence 45%
Other 35%
Violence & sexual offences: 6.7Anti-social behaviour: 1.6Criminal damage & arson: 1.3Other: 5.1
Source: data.police.uk — street-level crime data aggregated from LSOA to constituency
Local Elections
Liberal Democrats: 22Independent Berwick Hills Resident: 10Conservative and Unionist Party: 7Green Party of England and Wales: 3
42 councillors across 25 wards · Last elections: May 2023
Show all 42 councillors
| Ward | Party | Councillor | Elected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barnstaple Central | Liberal Democrats | Syed Jusef | May 2023 |
| Barnstaple With Pilton | Liberal Democrats | Ian Roome | May 2023 |
| Liberal Democrats | Jo Orange | May 2023 | |
| Liberal Democrats | Mel Lovering | May 2023 | |
| Barnstaple With Westacott | Liberal Democrats | David John Clayton | May 2023 |
| Liberal Democrats | Katrina Jean Mary Stevenson | May 2023 | |
| Liberal Democrats | Peter Richard Leaver | May 2023 | |
| Bickington | Liberal Democrats | Helen Frances Walker | May 2023 |
| Liberal Democrats | Joy Mary Cann | May 2023 | |
| Liberal Democrats | Will Topps | May 2023 | |
| Bishops Nympton | Independent Berwick Hills Resident | Robin John Milton | May 2023 |
| Bratton Fleming | Independent Berwick Hills Resident | Malcolm Stephen Prowse | May 2023 |
| Braunton East | Liberal Democrats | Graham Matthew Bell | May 2023 |
| Liberal Democrats | Liz Spear | May 2023 | |
| Braunton West Georgeham | Conservative and Unionist Party | Pru Maskell | May 2023 |
| Independent Berwick Hills Resident | Simon George Maddocks | May 2023 | |
| Chittlehampton | Conservative and Unionist Party | Susan Mavis Whitehead | May 2023 |
| Chulmleigh | Liberal Democrats | Kevin Miles Davies | May 2023 |
| Combe Martin | Independent Berwick Hills Resident | Brian Lee Lethaby | May 2023 |
| Fremington | Independent Berwick Hills Resident | Frank Lindsay Biederman | May 2023 |
| Independent Berwick Hills Resident | Neil Alan Denton | May 2023 | |
| Heanton Punchardon | Green Party of England and Wales | Ricky Knight | May 2023 |
| Ilfracombe East | Conservative and Unionist Party | Daniel Carl Michael Turton | May 2023 |
| Liberal Democrats | June Williams | May 2023 | |
| Conservative and Unionist Party | Paul Crabb | May 2023 | |
| Ilfracombe West | Conservative and Unionist Party | Jonathan Mark Quinn | May 2023 |
| Green Party of England and Wales | Sara Jane Wilson | May 2023 | |
| Instow | Conservative and Unionist Party | Lucinda Clemency Renshaw | May 2023 |
| Landkey | Independent Berwick Hills Resident | Glyn Lane | May 2023 |
| Green Party of England and Wales | Mark Haworth-Booth | May 2023 | |
| Lynton Lynmouth | Independent Berwick Hills Resident | John Michael Patrinos | May 2023 |
| Marwood | Liberal Democrats | Joe Tucker | May 2019 |
| Mortehoe | Liberal Democrats | Malcolm Andrew Wilkinson | May 2023 |
| Newport | Liberal Democrats | Caroline Frances Herringham Leaver | May 2023 |
| Liberal Democrats | Louisa Catherine Emma York | May 2023 | |
| North Molton | Conservative and Unionist Party | Liz Bulled | May 2023 |
| Roundswell | Liberal Democrats | Christopher James Norman | May 2023 |
| Liberal Democrats | David Knight | May 2023 | |
| South Molton | Liberal Democrats | David John Worden | May 2023 |
| Independent Berwick Hills Resident | Matt Bushell | May 2023 | |
| Liberal Democrats | Peter John Bishop | May 2023 | |
| Witheridge | Independent Berwick Hills Resident | Peter George Jones | May 2023 |
Source: DCLEAPIL v1.0 by Jason Leman, LEAP (Andrew Teale) & Democracy Club. CC BY-SA 4.0. Data last refreshed: 1 Apr 2026.
2024 General Election
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| LD | 21,820 | 42.4% | |
Won 2019 GE | Con | 15,076 | 29.3% |
| Ref | 8,137 | 15.8% | |
| Lab | 3,216 | 6.3% | |
| Green | 2,348 | 4.6% | |
| Ind | 820 | 1.6% |
2019 General Election
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Con | 31,479 | 56.6% | |
| LD | 16,666 | 30.0% | |
| Lab | 5,097 | 9.2% | |
| Green | 1,759 | 3.2% | |
| Ind | 580 | 1.0% |
2017 General Election
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
✓ Won 2015 GE | Con | 25,517 | 45.8% |
Won 2010 GE | LD | 21,185 | 38.0% |
| Lab | 7,063 | 12.7% | |
| Ind | 1,187 | 2.1% | |
| Green | 753 | 1.4% |
2015 General Election
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
✓ Won 2017 GE | Con | 22,341 | 42.7% |
Won 2010 GE | LD | 15,405 | 29.4% |
| Ind | 7,719 | 14.8% | |
| Lab | 3,699 | 7.1% | |
| Green | 3,018 | 5.8% | |
| Ind | 138 | 0.3% |
2010 General Election
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| LD | 24,305 | 47.4% | |
| Con | 18,484 | 36.0% | |
| Ind | 3,720 | 7.3% | |
| Lab | 2,671 | 5.2% | |
| Green | 697 | 1.4% | |
| Ind | 614 | 1.2% | |
| Ind | 588 | 1.1% | |
| Ind | 146 | 0.3% | |
| Ind | 96 | 0.2% |
Timeline
National Media Profile
Ian Roome has not appeared in national political news coverage tracked by our system. This is common for backbench MPs who focus on constituency-level work rather than national policy debates.
Latest News
15 articles hidden as not sufficiently relevant to this constituency
Culture & CommunityEconomy & JobsLocal Government↓↓↓ Negative
Broomhill Estate hotel and garden could become private home
Broomhill Estate, a hotel and sculpture garden near Barnstaple, has a planning application pending to convert it into a private home. The property, which has struggled to sell since February 2025 despite price reductions, faced financial difficulties during the Covid pandemic and has proven challenging to operate commercially.
HealthSocial Care↓↓↓ Negative
Mum with 20cm tumour says stage four cancer 'isn't a death sentence'
Natalie Hopper from North Devon shares her experience of being diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer at age 42, highlighting the importance of persistence in seeking medical diagnosis and challenging the stigma around advanced cancer. She advocates for better mental health support and awareness around stage four cancer diagnoses through the Stage4You campaign.
Crime & Policing↓↓↓ Negative
Gang of teenagers attack man in Devon town
A man was attacked by around eight teenagers in Barnstaple's Bear Street on April 3rd and was hospitalised. Police are investigating the incident, but the suspects fled before officers arrived.
Culture & CommunityHealthSocial Care↓↓↓ Negative
'Doctors said I was too young before my world imploded'
Natalie Hopper, a 45-year-old from North Devon, shares her experience of being diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer at age 42 after initial dismissals by doctors who said she was 'too young.' She advocates for changing negative perceptions around stage four cancer diagnoses and highlights the psychological toll of the condition, while describing her journey through surgery, chemotherapy, and her decision to run a local pub before focusing on quality of life.
EnvironmentHousingLocal Government↑↑↑ PositiveCllr
Liberal Democrats win by-election as familiar face returns
Liberal Democrat Jayne Mackie won the Fremington and Yelland by-election on North Devon Council with 752 votes, beating Reform UK's Derek Sargent by 256 votes. The by-election followed the death of Independent councillor Neil Denton, and Mackie's election increases the Lib Dem presence on the council to 24 members.
– Neutral
Exact day Devon will reach highs of 21C this week
A weather forecast article reporting that Devon will experience warm temperatures reaching 21°C mid-week before dropping back to seasonal norms by Thursday. The article provides specific temperature predictions for several North Devon locations including Barnstaple and Woolacombe.
Culture & CommunityEconomy & Jobs↑↑↑ Positive
Devon beach became a 'hospital ward' for iconic album cover
Saunton beach in North Devon was the location for the iconic 1987 Pink Floyd album cover photoshoot featuring 800 NHS beds arranged across the shoreline. The article highlights the beach's cultural significance and its long history as a filming location for major films, TV productions, and music videos.
Cost of Living↓↓ Negative
10 cheapest places to buy petrol in Devon today
A price comparison article listing the cheapest and most expensive petrol stations across Devon, including Chivenor Service Station in Barnstaple as the current cheapest option at 145.9p per litre. The article compares Devon fuel prices to national averages, showing Devon drivers pay slightly less than the UK average.
Culture & CommunityEconomy & Jobs↑↑↑ Positive
Pretty UK village takes you back in time with its cobbled streets and car ban
A travel content creator highlights Clovelly, a picturesque village in North Devon known for its cobbled streets, car ban, and historic charm, encouraging visitors to experience its unique layout and attractions. The article features positive reviews from visitors praising the village's beauty and distinctive character.
Culture & CommunityEconomy & JobsLocal Government↑↑↑ Positive
Village dubbed 'prettiest in UK' with cobbled streets, great views and no cars
A visitor's positive review of Clovelly village in North Devon, praising its picturesque scenery, cobbled streets, car-free environment, and coastal views. The article highlights the village's unique charm and privately-owned heritage, noting the £8.75 entry fee and potential for future visits.
Culture & Community↑↑↑ Positive
Wellington defeated by promotion chasers Barnstaple
Barnstaple Town, a North Devon football club competing in the Western League Premier Division, defeated Wellington 4-1 in a Good Friday match while pursuing promotion to the Southern League. The match featured controversial refereeing decisions and showcased Barnstaple's strong performance as they remain in contention for the title.
EnvironmentLocal GovernmentTransport↓↓↓ NegativeCllr
Coast paths sections closed around South West after storm damage
Storm damage and heavy winter rainfall have caused multiple cliff falls and coastal erosion across Devon, with sections of the South West Coast Path closed at Ilfracombe and other locations in North Devon and across the county. Emergency repairs costing over £100,000 are needed in Sidmouth, and the closures may last months, affecting public access to popular coastal areas and highlighting climate change impacts on coastal infrastructure.
HousingLocal GovernmentTransport↓↓↓ NegativeCllr
Fears homes will create more gridlock on "car park" roads
A 450-home development scheme near Barnstaple has been approved by North Devon Council's planning committee despite significant concerns from local councillors about traffic congestion and inadequate highway infrastructure. The approval was driven by the council's housing land shortfall and pressure from national targets, though the proposed signalised junction is criticised as insufficient to address cumulative traffic impacts on the A39 and surrounding roads.
Culture & CommunityEconomy & JobsLocal Government↑↑↑ Positive
Special Devon village where tourists turn up in the wrong shoes
A feature article about Clovelly, a historic privately-owned village in North Devon near Bideford, highlighting its picturesque cobbled streets, tourist attractions, and unique functioning community. The article showcases the village's heritage, visitor experience, and the challenges of maintaining a living village with steep terrain and high annual tourism (around 100,000 visitors).
Culture & CommunityEnvironment↑↑↑ Positive
'Paradise on earth' Devon beach that's one of UK's best-kept secrets
A feature article highlighting Broadsands Beach near Combe Martin in North Devon as one of the UK's finest hidden coastal gems, praised for its unspoilt natural charm, scenic views, and wildlife. The beach is accessible only via steep steps through wooded cliffs and has received strong ratings and positive visitor reviews.
Culture & CommunityEnvironment↑↑↑ Positive
'Best friend' otter cubs released into the wild by Devon charity
The UK Wild Otter Trust, based in north Devon, has successfully released 10 rehabilitated otter cubs into the wild, including two orphaned cubs named Tinsel and Star that formed a close bond during their 14-month recovery. The charity recently relocated to a new permanent site in the same area after being unexpectedly forced to leave its previous location in Umberleigh.
Economy & JobsEnvironmentLocal Government↓↓↓ Negative
Holiday park owner forks out £300k sea wall after council refused
Rob Braddick, owner of the Pier View and Braddick Holiday Park in Westward Ho!, North Devon, has been forced to spend £300,000 on a sea wall to protect his cliffside restaurant and business after Torridge District Council refused to fund the work. The project addresses serious coastal erosion that has already damaged the carpark and arcade, with the council stating they are only involved in defence schemes for public areas in the village.
Economy & JobsEnvironment↑↑ Positive
Farmer Focus: Can I hold out for bulkier first-cut silage?
A dairy farmer on the North Devon/Cornwall border discusses spring silage decisions, winter challenges, and his new role as NFU dairy representative for Devon. The article touches on farm management practices, seasonal conditions, and the value of industry advocacy.
Economy & JobsEnvironmentLocal Government↓↓↓ Negative
Devon farmland 'to be decimated' by solar panels and housing, says group
Devon CPRE warns that farmland across Devon, particularly in North Devon and Torridge, is being 'decimated' by solar and wind energy schemes under the Government's Land Use Framework. The charity specifically highlights the Alverdiscott Solar Cluster, where six solar schemes totalling 433 acres have been approved with further proposals that could expand this to 725 acres, and is launching a public campaign opposing mega solar and battery storage projects on productive farmland.
Economy & JobsEnvironmentLocal Government↑↑ Positive
108-acre solar farm agreed behind closed doors
A 44-hectare solar farm at Braunton has been approved by North Devon Council planning officers under delegated powers without committee discussion, despite opposition from local groups citing countryside industrialisation and agricultural land loss concerns. The 15MW scheme will power approximately 6,600 homes but has sparked debate over the lack of public committee debate and the decision-making process.
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