Ian Roome

Ian Roome is a British Liberal Democrat politician who was elected as the Member of Parliament for North Devon in the 2024 United Kingdom general election.

He previously served for two terms as Mayor of Barnstaple.

Early life and career
Roome was born and raised in Sheffield, attending Chaucer Comprehensive School from 1979 to 1985.

After leaving school, Roome joined the Royal Air Force in 1986, serving across the United Kingdom, as well as in Germany at RAF Laarbruch. He first came to North Devon in 1989, after being posted to RAF Chivenor. Later, while serving as Mayor of Barnstaple in 2018, he would help to keep RM Chivenor operational, lobbying the Defence Secretary to keep the base open, after it was announced in 2016 that it could be facing potential closure.

After leaving the Royal Air Force Roome worked in mental health nursing at North Devon District Hospital, after which he decided to work as a community mental health worker across North Devon.

Political career
Roome began his political career in 2003, serving as a Councillor for Barnstaple Town Council. During his time as a Barnstaple Town Councillor he held numerous notable positions, such as Mayor of Barnstaple and Chair of the Staff Committee. In 2011, during his tenure as a Barnstaple Town Councillor, he founded and managed a £2.5 million fundraising campaign to build a Chemotherapy and Day Treatment Unit at the North Devon District Hospital. He also managed an additional £1.5 million capital campaign to build a Cancer and Wellbeing unit at the North Devon District Hospital.

Roome was first elected to represent Yeo Valley on the North Devon District Council in May 2015. He was re-elected in May 2019 to represent Barnstaple with Pilton Ward, which he continues to represent today. He is Leader of the Council and Liberal Democrat Group.

Roome was elected to represent Barnstaple North on the Devon County Council in May 2021. Alongside this he serves on the Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Authority.