FOUR candidates have confirmed they will contest the Bromsgrove seat in the General Election on June 7 after nominations closed.

Conservative candidate Julie Kirkbride will defend her 4,845 majority in the constituency she won in 1997.

She intends to put forward issues of police numbers, education funding, tax and keeping the pound.

District and county councillor Peter McDonald is the Labour challenger who was the nearest rival at the last election.

He defends the Government's record of providing a sound economy and reducing unemployment.

Liberal Democrat candidate Margaret Rowley is standing for Bromsgrove for the first time, having led her party on Wychavon District Council.

She will argue for more investment in schools, hospitals and public transport.

Also making his debut is Ian Gregory for the UK Independence Party, who advocates Britain's withdrawal from the European Union.

Here the candidates have their say.

Conservative - Julie Kirkbride

IT has been a pleasure and privilege to be your Member of Parliament over the last four years.

I stand again at this election on the platform of the Conservative Party as well as my record of hard work and dedication to the people of Bromsgrove.

As part of my efforts on your behalf, I have campaigned to keep the green belt, fought the closure of Kidderminster General Hospital and the consequent increase in local hospital waiting lists, lobbied to keep open Beoley and Tardebigge first schools as well as concerning myself with traffic problems such as the A491, the Bordesley by-pass and noise abatement on the M42 to name but a few of the issues which concern local people.

Nationally, we need a Conservative Government which will cut fuel tax by 6p, take one million pensioners out of income tax, and abolish tax on savings for all lower rate payers.

We will keep Labour's spending plans on health and education but ensure that Bromsgrove's schools receive a fairer share of the cake.

We will also put the 20 police officers lost to Bromsgrove since 1997 back on the beat.

On Europe we will be in it but not run by it and we are the only party pledged to keeping the pound.

Thank you for your support.

Liberal Democrat - Margaret Rowley

Margaret Rowley is leader of the Liberal Democrats on Wychavon District Council, and has chaired the council's environment committee.

She is married with three grown-up children and has lived in Worcestershire for 11 years.

After graduating in zoology, Margaret qualified as a librarian and works in information services in a college of higher education.

Margaret says: "By voting Liberal Democrat, you have a real chance for a real change.

"In today's complex society, we need to encourage people to work together to achieve common goals.

"Liberal Democrats want to see a shift of power from an over-centralised and authoritarian state, to decentralised decision-making giving local people a real say."

Margaret is experienced in campaigning on local issues. She has built up two pre-school playgroups, fought unwanted development, campaigned for local post offices and to restore the Droitwich Canals.

She is currently campaigning with other local Liberal Democrats for additional school places and improved rail services in Bromsgrove.

The Liberal Democrat priorities are investing in schools and hospitals; extra police officers; increasing the state pension; and providing reliable public transport. All policies have a green dimension.

Labour - Peter McDonald

I am 53-years-old, a lecturer at Wolverhampton College and live in the district of Bromsgrove with my wife, Christine.

I have two grown-up daughters and two young grandchildren.

I became a Worcestershire county councillor in 1985 and a Bromsgrove district councillor in 1990. Since that time I have endlessly campaigned on behalf of local residents.

Leading many successful campaigns, I was responsible for the introduction of free bus passes for senior citizens, the bowling green in Rubery and a massive investment in the Dolphin Centre.

I am proud to represent the Labour Party. Under a Labour Government Bromsgrove has benefited from a stable and growing economy, for example, reducing unemployment, fuel payments and TV licences for the elderly.

UK Independence Party - Ian Gregory

THE UK Independence Party stands for a free and independent Britain, whi-ch is only possible outside of a European superstate.

We will keep the pound forever. The "independence dividend", saved from the billions the British taxpayer currently pays to Europe, will benefit British industry, farming and public services, and increase the pension by £5 a week.

We will never abandon common law, the right to trial by jury, or the presumption of innocence.

We are the only party which genuinely believes in freedom; freedom for the individual, freedom for businesses and local communities, freedom from patronising political correctness, and from intolerance or injustice.

The European Commission (unelected) in Brussels are planning an EU Government, an EU Army, and an EU Constitution. This proves it is time to withdraw rather than continue the pretence that we can compromise. UKIP would therefore repeal the European Communities Act (1972) and re-negotiate trade agreements with our former partners.

UKIP believes in free and fair trade between sovereign nations which are free to govern themselves, and make their own decisions. We are capable of governing ourselves, after 1,500 years of practice. I came to Bromsgrove from Yorkshire in 1998. Aged 25, I work in Worcester and am engaged to be married in September.

after studying Environmental Management and Technology at Sunderland