NORTH Herefordshire MP Bill Wiggin has announced he will contest the next general election.

The Tory candidate, who secured a near-10,000 majority in 2010, was re-selected by his local Conservative Party Association to stand in 2015.

He has represented the constituency, which includes Leominster and Ledbury, since 2001.

“After 12 years in Parliament, nine of them on the front bench, I am looking forward to fighting the next general election,” he said.

“We have achieved a huge amount since 2010. Labour’s deficit has been slashed by a quarter, interest rates are at a record low and the share of money being taken from us and spent by the state is falling.

“Locally, 20 new academies have opened, apprenticeship numbers are rising and the council has just received a funding boost of over £500,000.

“I would also like to thank everyone here in north Herefordshire for their ongoing hard work, drive and support.”