Election to change government

So now we know who will be contesting the General Election in the Ludlow constituency. Voters will have plenty of candidates to choose from. We just don't yet know when.

But whenever it is eventually called, this is a sea change election, like in 1979 and 1997, where there is a real prospect of a change in government, in this case after a long period of Labour rule.

This is why your vote is so important. This is not an election in which to vote to make a point or protest on a particular issue.

Far from it this election may be close and individual votes may make the difference between a change in government or 5 more years of Gordon Brown.

This election is about a change of direction here in Britain. The choice is clear between a new government with the vision and values to take the country forward and deliver the change Britain needs or more of the same with a tired government, bereft of fresh ideas, making things worse. We cannot go on like this.

Everywhere I go across the Ludlow constituency, I meet people who agree it is time for a change. I look forward to the opportunity to engage with my constituents over the weeks ahead to explain how important it is to vote for a change of government and what that would mean for us here in Shropshire. I expect the General Election to be called for Thursday 6th May when you will have your chance to vote for change at Westminster.