THE Conservative Party has officially launched its campaign to try to retain the Monmouth constituency at next month’s general election.

Parliamentary candidate David Davies was joined by members and activists on Saturday at Croesyceiliog Cricket and Rugby Club. The 46 year-old father-of-three aims to be re-elected for a fourth successive time, using the recent council election results as a springboard for further gains.

While the constituency boundaries for Westminster are slightly different, including 10,000 voters living in Torfaen, Mr Davies is hoping to capitalise on the rise in support after the Conservatives won control of Monmouthshire County Council.

“The first duty of an MP is to be a champion for the constituency and this has always been a priority for me,” said Mr Davies, who was first elected to parliament in 2005.

“I have held regular advice surgeries, taken up hundreds of cases for individuals and been active on many local campaigns, such as cutting Severn Bridge tolls.

“The key battleground for this general election is going to be Brexit."

Mr Davies said getting the right Brexit deal for the UK was “vitally important."