WEST Worcestershire MP candidates have delivered their reaction to the news that there will be a General Election later this year.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced on Wednesday that the UK would be holding a General Election on July 4.

It means local constituencies will be campaigning to be voted as the MP for their area.

Current MP for West Worcestershire, Harriet Baldwin, has been elected four times since 2010 and has her eyes firmly set on a fifth term.

"I look forward to campaigning across West Worcestershire in the General Election," she said.

“I have been honoured to be elected four times since 2010 to represent the beautiful constituency of West Worcestershire in parliament.

"I have always campaigned for things that will improve life for local people with new hospital buildings in Malvern and Worcester, the new train station in Worcestershire Parkway with more services, better roads, and more flood defences.

"I’m asking local people to back me to continue that work.” 

Worcester News has contacted West Worcestershire Labour but is yet to receive a response.

Liberal Democrats candidate Dan Boatright-Greene hopes to persuade voters that he is the right candidate to take over as West Worcestershire's next MP.

"I very much welcome the General Election, it could not come soon enough," he said.

"I was democratically selected by the members of West Worcestershire Liberal Democrats over 18 months ago and since then me and the team have been knocking on doors, delivering leaflets and working tirelessly to help people across our constituency.

"The Liberal Democrats are second in West Worcestershire and I’m campaigning to be the next MP.

"As a local councillor I have a reputation for working tirelessly for residents, and I will maintain that same proactive work ethic if elected to be West Worcestershire’s next MP.

"I take nothing for granted which is why you will see me campaigning across the constituency to show there is a viable alternative to the Conservatives."

Natalie McVey, candidate of the Green Party, believes, if elected, she can bring about positive changes to the region.

"Although the announcement was a bit of a surprise, I welcome the General Election," she said.

"As someone who lives in, and is very active in, the constituency, I am in touch with the daily pressures faced by so many people, including myself, my friends and family.

"I have spoken to hundreds of people over the last few months and there is an overall sense that change is needed.

"If elected as MP for West Worcestershire I will bring about this change, as well as an injection of hope.

"I am confident that we will have more success in the West Worcestershire constituency than ever before."