A CLOSE aide of Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been selected as the Conservative Parliamentary candidate for Devizes after Claire Perry chose not to seek re-election.

Danny Kruger was chosen at a selection meeting at the Corn Exchange in Devizes this afternoon (Saturday), which was attended by nearly 300 local Conservative members.

He has been political secretary to the Prime Minister since July and has previously worked as chief speechwriter to David Cameron.

Mr Kruger has said he is keen to boost local NHS services, support the police to tackle rural crime, ensure schools get their fair share of increased funding, push for greater infrastructure investment, enhance the rail and bus network and help businesses be more productive.

He is a supporter of the Armed Forces and wants to ensure the relocation of service families to Wiltshire is a success.

Mr Kruger supports Mr Johnson in getting Brexit done as soon as possible.

He said: “I’m proud and excited to be selected as the Conservative Parliamentary candidate for Devizes and I’m looking forward to knocking on doors, meeting local people and addressing their concerns.

“Devizes is a great constituency with so much potential and, working with the strong team of Conservatives locally, I will do everything I can to lead everyone towards a brighter future.”

Stuart Wheeler, acting chairman of Devizes Constituency Conservative Association, said: “We had a high quality list of candidates to choose from and Danny stood out with his energy, drive and optimistic outlook.

“He is a tremendous campaigner with a very impressive track record and will be a strong voice in Parliament, standing up for Devizes and local residents.

“We look forward to working closely with Danny to return him as our next MP, supporting a Conservative agenda to deliver Brexit and take this country forward.”