NOW that Dr Richard Taylor has been elected MP for Wyre Forest, the question is - what is the future for party politics in Wyre Forest?

Until 1997, our area was a traditional Tory territory and with less blinkered policies and a strong candidate they must be in pole position for 2005/6.

After winning in Ludlow, the Liberal Democrats must be kicking themselves as they see what could have been achieved if only they had kept a united party and built on the local success which they once had.

As one who actively supported the Labour election campaign I fear that they have got a mountain to climb.

Not only have they got to recover from the hospital knockouts, they will also have to fight the loss in popularity which all governments face at election time.

There are interesting times ahead in Wyre Forest politics.

I only hope that if Dr Taylor fails to match expectations the electorate refrain from turning on him.

STAN ROSE

Beauchamp Avenue

Kidderminster