A LOCAL politician is hoping to make it fourth time lucky when she contests the next General Election in the newly-created Tiverton and Minehead constituency.

Rachel Gilmour, who has unsuccessfully fought three previous elections, launched her campaign at the weekend.

She plans to champion tackling the cost-of-living crisis; putting healthcare at the heart of our communities; and protecting local jobs and environment.

Ms Gilmour, a former NFU director, district councillor, PR at the former Taunton Deane Borough Council and strategist with the Environment Agency, is not put off by losing out at three previous national polls, most recently in Taunton Deane in 2015.

READ MORE: Rachel Gilmour stands in General Election in Taunton Deane.

She said: "We are offended by the state of our NHS, and your (the Conservative government) decision to under-fund it.

"We are offended that one in five of our secondary schools are in special measures or inadequate.

"We are offended at the pollution of our seas and rivers.

"We are offended that there aren’t enough properly paid carers to look after our elderly and infirm.

READ MORE: Blow by blow account of election night in Taunton Deane 2015.

"We are offended that the effects of climate change we are already feeling are being ignored in the pursuit of profits.

“I will not rest until the Conservatives are held to account for their failures. Our communities are demanding better, and I aim to deliver it.”

She says she has personally knocked on 2,500 doors to speak with local people across the constituency; while her supporters have visited thousands more.

Ms Gilmour said: "The response received so far has been overwhelming. Many of the homes I call on have never seen a politician coming to their door to listen to them and are so appreciative that I have taken the time to do so.

“I make a pledge to each person I meet - I will always find the time to listen to your concerns, and will work tirelessly to make our communities better, fairer, and to end the decades of us being taken for granted that started to change with the election of Richard Foord in Devon, and will finish changing here on the day I am elected."

Ms Gilmour attended St John's Primary School, in Wellington.

She is the daughter of the late David Wrench, who taught at Taunton School, was a Conservative local councillor and played rugby for England.