MARTIN Jevon has been selected to stand for Labour at the next General Election in Taunton.

Mr Jevon, who recently held talks with Prime Minister Gordon Brown about mixed urban and rural communities, was chosen after a ballot of local party members.

He said: "I am proud and delighted to be chosen to stand for election here in Taunton.

"I would like to thank everyone in the Labour Party and across the community for supporting me and for all their hard work.

"Taunton Deane is a very special place with extraordinary people and enormous community spirit.

"I look forward to working with everyone in our community over the coming months and years."

Mr Jevon grew up in North Taunton and studied at Ladymead Community School and Somerset College before attending the University of Luton.

He is chairman of the North Taunton Partnership and manages a small health charity, having previously worked for Somerset County Council.

He launched his campaign at last Wednesday's branch meeting of Taunton West Labour Party.

He plans to visit the whole of the Taunton and Wellington area in the coming months.

Taunton Labour Party chairman Colin Croad said: "I am extremely pleased that Martin has been selected as Labour's candidate for Taunton Deane.

"He thoroughly deserved his selection and I look forward to working with him."

Mr Jevon joins Mark Formosa (Conservative) as a challenger to Taunton's LibDem MP Jeremy Browne - the election must be held by May 2010.