WEST Worcestershire has a long history as a Conservative seat with Sir Michael Spicer holding it since 1974 in succession to Sir Gerald Nabarro. The Liberal Democrats cut the majority to 3,846 in 1997 but Sir Michael raised that to over 5,000 last time round.

Conservative MP SIR MICHAEL SPICER lives in Hanley Swan and is chairman of the party's key 1922 Committee of backbench MPs. A former deputy chairman of the party, he was also a minister under Margaret Thatcher. He said the future of the Malvern hospital project would be a major issue and the Conservatives would campaign to get a business plan in place as soon as possible. Sir Michael said tax cuts, strengthening the capability of the police force and Council Tax rebates for pensioners would also be high on his agenda.

TOM WELLS will make his first run for Parliament as the Liberal Democrat candidate, although he has a long track record at local level. Born and bred in Malvern, Tom is leader of Malvern Hills District Council and county and district representative for Powick. He says his campaign will focus on what he says is a lack of Government investment for schools, transport and health care in the constituency.

CAROLINE BOVEY, of Malvern, is standing for the UK Independence Party. She is a freelance writer and full-time carer. She stood for UKIP in the Malvern Hills District Council elections two years ago. She said she would be campaigning for a better deal for people on low incomes, especially those with disabilities.

There is another very local candidate in the shape of MALCOLM VICTORY for the Green Party. A resident of Malvern Wells and a member of the parish council, Malcolm is also a keen inventor. He said major issues would be the future of waste disposal and recycling in the constituency. He added that under-funding in the county and unrestricted building in the area will also feature highly.

Labour has selected Qamar Bhatti, from Birmingham, as its candidate.

2001 result: Sir Michael Spicer (Con) 20,597; Mike Hadley (Lib Dem) 15,223; Waqar Azmi (Lab) 6,275; Ian Morris (UKIP) 1,574. Turnout: 67.11 per cent.