Britain's youngest councillor - a Conservative youth leader who had a "bright future" in politics - has been found dead at her university accommodation.

Clarissa Slade, 21, who was 18 when she was elected to Mid Devon district council and to Tiverton town council, was found in bed by one of her housemates on Monday morning.

Her parents, who are also both Conservative councillors in the area, are said to be in "shock" at the news of her death, which is being treated as unexplained.

Colin Slade, her father, said: "We are still pretty much in the dark as to the circumstances and we are waiting for the coroner.

"She had a bright future ahead, she was very keen on politics and she was a very bright young councillor, the youngest in the country when she was elected.

"She was looking to possibly pursue a career in politics. She was very active in the Conservative Party."