Simon Jupp, Conservative parliamentary candidate for Honiton and Sidmouth, says he would be 'happy' to see young people in his constituency signed up for National Service.

Speaking to the Herald at the Prime Minister's visit to Supacat at Dunkeswell on Wednesday (May 29), Mr Jupp says he backs the PM's plan to bring back National Service to 18-year-olds.

The Conservatives announced earlier in the week that if they win the General Election on July 4, they will bring back a form of National Service, which could see 18-year-olds in the Armed Forces or taking part in volunteering once a week for a year.

Mr Jupp was asked: 'Do you support the PM's National Service campaign? would you like to see 18-year olds of Honiton and Sidmouth signed up?'

He said: "When I was younger, I volunteered and took part in various different programs and it really helped me so I couldn't do this job had I not worked in a supermarket or volunteered at a youth club.

"These things changed my life and made me go from quite a shy kid to someone outgoing enough to stand up in Parliament and stand up for our area. I think it is a really good idea and I hope people will take it in the spirit it is intended to build confidence.

"What I have noticed in schools over the past couple of years since the Covid pandemic is that confidence has been hit and it breaks my heart. I really want them to get that confidence back. Volunteering or taking part in different programs can really instil that pride in their community that we need back in our country."

Mr Sunak was in Devon and Cornwall on his general election campaign. He visited Supacat, toured the factory, and threw his support for Mr Jupp and Rebecca Pow, the Conservative candidate in Taunton and Wellington.

Candidates standing in the Honiton and Sidmouth seat include Simon Jupp - Conservative, Richard Foord - Liberal Democrat, Jake Bonetta - Labour, Henry Gent - Green Party and Paul Quickenden - Reform UK.