The Sid Valley Conservative branch recently held its AGM at the Sidmouth Conservative Club.

Despite disappointing results in the July general election, members were in high spirits, buoyed by the election of the Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP as party leader.

Frances Newth stepped down from the committee after years of service, including a stint as a councillor.

She was thanked for her long-standing dedication to the party.

Simon Card was re-elected as chairman.

He expressed the members' sadness over Simon Jupp's loss of his seat in the election.

Mr Card said: "He was one of the hardest working and decent MPs that I have known in my 60 years as a volunteer in the party, a great loss to the people of Sidmouth and the whole constituency."

He also noted that new members were joining the branch as a reaction to the Labour Government's policies.

The branch is set to host a quiz night at the Sidmouth Conservative Club on December 20 at 7pm.

Members and non-members are welcome to attend.

Tickets can be obtained by contacting sheilakerridge@icloud.com.