CABINET minister Matt Hancock came to Devizes on Wednesday to pledge the government’s support to build a new health centre on Marshall Road.

He met Conservative candidate Danny Kruger, who is the son of Bake Off judge Prue Leith, to confirm the development is to begin in autumn 2020. Mr Hancock hopes doors will open by September 2021.

He said: “Devizes needs more health facilities and it seems only right that it’s going to get an upgrade.

“I’ve been helping to unlock money from local Clinical Commissioning Groups to make this possible.

“Only a Conservative government will see the construction of this new health centre begin next year.”

The £10m health centre is planned to be a minor injuries unit built directly next door to Devizes Treatment Centre.

Before being named as the new Devizes candidate, Mr Kruger worked as Boris Johnson’s political secretary, and was David Cameron’s chief speechwriter.

After locals voiced their anger that he is not a local man, he said: “Like my last four predecessors I do not come from Devizes. Like them I want to make this my home.

“If I’m elected I’m going to spend the coming weeks, months and years listening to local views. I will serve the people as will hopefully be my job.”