A high-flyer in the rail industry whose family has farmed locally for nearly a century has beaten off competition from more than 100 applicants to become the new Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for West Dorset.
Chris Loder was chosen at a selection meeting at Beaminster School earlier today (Saturday), attended by more than 200 local Conservative members.
Chris voted to leave the European Union in the 2016 referendum and strongly supports the Prime Minister in taking the UK out of the EU by 31 October.
This, along with post-Brexit prosperity for agriculture and tourism and getting better connectivity, are his priorities for West Dorset.
The former West Dorset district councillor wants to see fast broadband for every house and business and a mobile phone signal across the entire constituency, as well as greater investment in road and rail infrastructure and better rural bus services.
He is also keen to help local people get on the housing ladder and will do everything he can to support farmers and businesses to thrive.
“I’m very proud to be selected as the Conservative Parliamentary candidate for my home community in West Dorset,” said Chris, 38, who lives at the family farm near Sherborne.
“I’m determined to ensure that the democratic will of West Dorset is delivered and I’m looking forward to continuing knocking on doors, getting feedback from local people and addressing local concerns.
“West Dorset has so much potential. Our market towns are the hubs of our community and, working with the strong team of Conservatives locally, I will do everything I can to drive improvements with fresh thinking.”
Chris is head of new trains for South Western Railway, where he has worked for the last seven years.
During that time he has played a key role in delivering the award-winning, multi-million-pound Waterloo upgrade programme in 2017, as well as substantially improving train services to the area in 2015, while delivering much better north-south Dorset connectivity to Weymouth and Corfe Castle.
Andrew Graham, president of West Dorset Conservative Association, said: “We had a strong field of candidates and I congratulate Chris for being selected.
“We look forward to supporting Chris in his work to represent and support the interests of all the citizens of West Dorset in Parliament and more widely.”
John Glen, MP for Salisbury and Economic Secretary to the Treasury, said: “Chris has been a successful champion in his work to improve local transport. His track record is strong and I’m pleased to give him every support.”
Current West Dorset MP Sir Oliver Letwin, who now sits as an Independent, announced last year he would not contest the next general election.
