CONSERVATIVES in Tavistock have selected town councillor John Sheldon to fight the by-election next month for a seat on West Devon Borough Council.

Mr Sheldon is the first candidate in the frame to contest the Tavistock north by-election, which will take place on Thursday June 21. Previously an Independent, he has recently joined the Conservative Party.

The north ward seat was held by Conservative Mike Harper, who resigned for personal reasons.

The make-up of the council is currently Conservatives 17 seats, Independents 10, Liberal Democrats 3, one vacancy.