THOSE interested in standing in the West Worcestershire Parliamentary election that includes Tenbury are being urged to put their name forward quickly.

Parliament has agreed to call a snap General Election to be held on Thursday, June 8. Due to the short timetable between now and polling day, there is not much time for potential candidates to submit their nomination.

The notice officially triggering the countdown to the election for the West Worcestershire Parliamentary seat was published last Friday.

Nominations have been accepted from Monday but would-be candidates then only have until 4pm on Thursday to submit their nomination papers to the Electoral Services Team in Brunel House, Portland Road, Malvern.

To stand for election as an MP candidates must be over 18, a British, Irish or Commonwealth citizen, who does not require permission to enter or remain in the UK or already has permission to do so. As well as a completed set of nomination forms, a deposit of £500 is also required. Certain groups of people including serving police officers and members of the armed forces cannot stand.

People can stand as an independent or can represent a political party but must go through their selection process.

Those interested in representing a political party are urged to contact the relevant local association.

“The calling of the General Election at short notice means there’s a very tight timetable for nominations,” said Matthew Box, electoral services manager at Malvern Hills District Council.

"It’s the candidate’s responsibility to ensure their nomination forms are correctly filled in and handed to us by the deadline so I’d urge anyone considering standing to move quickly.”

Nomination papers and more information can be found by visiting www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/candidate-or-agent/uk-parliamentary-general-election-great-britain

For more information call the Electoral Services team on 01684 862200 or email elections@malvernhills.gov.uk