THE LABOUR candidate for the new North Cotswolds constituency has spoken out after it was announced that the General Election would take place in July. 

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that a General Election will be held on Thursday, July 4. 

Mr Sunak, who has been Prime Minister since October 2022, has called the election after months of speculation about its date.

Candidates for the new North Cotswolds parliamentary constituency have started giving their initial thoughts to the news.  

Anna Mainwaring, Labour candidate, said: “It’s great news that finally a General Election has been called and people can now have their say at the ballot box after all these years of chaos and division under the Conservatives.

"It’s also very exciting and I hope that this will be a turning point and we will see real change that our country needs after 14 years of decline caused by this reckless Conservative Government.”

“I am standing in North Cotswolds to help turn this country around.

"We need to tackle the cost of living crisis, create better quality jobs locally, protect our green countryside and tackle the climate emergency.

"We need to invest in our towns and high streets, stand up for small businesses and our farmers.

"We also need to ensure our schools are fit for purpose and our fantastic NHS is saved and funded properly.”

“There is a clear choice at this election.

"We can bring about real change for future generations.

"Together we can rebuild this country.”

The new constituency comprises of the following wards: Badgeworth, Bisley, Blockley, Bourton Vale, Bourton Village, Brockworth East, Brockworth West, Campden & Vale, Chedworth & Churn Valley, Churchdown, Brookfield with Hucclecote,Churchdown St. John's,Coln Valley, Ermin, Fosseridge, Hardwicke, Minchinhampton, Moreton East, Moreton West, Northleach, Painswick & Upton, Sandywell, Shurdington, Stow and the Rissingtons.