Waqar Azmi (Labour)

Waqar, aged 31, lives in Worcestershire with wife, Haseena, who is a clinical psychologist in the NHS. Waqar is chief executive of Worcestershire Racial Equality Council and has advised the Home Office, police and probation service on race relations.

He is also vice-chairman of the National Rural Race Equality Action Programme Trust. Previously a lecturer in ethnic studies at the University of Central Lancashire and Southampton Institute, he has published works on race and public policy in Britain, focusing particularly on education.

He has received an honorary research fellowship from University College Worcester.

Mike Hadley (Liberal Democrat)

Mike is a Worcestershire businessman whose Malvern-based company specialises in computer software for pharmacists. He is married to Dr Jocelyn Briggs, a hospital consultant specialising in care of the elderly, and they have three children.

Soon after graduating, he opened his own community pharmacy, later setting up the software company which is now in partnership with the Co-op.

He has served on the district health authority and was chairman of the Hereford and Worcestershire Pharmaceutical Committee.

After several years in local government, he first stood as a parliamentary candidate in a national by-election in 1995.

He is the party's regional health spokesman.

Sir Michael Spicer (Conservative)

Sir Michael has represented a Worcestershire constituency in Parliament since 1974.

He lives in Worcestershire with wife, Ann, and they have three children.

He has been Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party, Minister for Aviation, Coal and Power and Housing. He was knighted in 1996.

He was Chairman of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee, Chairman of the Treasury Sub-committee and chairs the Congress for Democracy.

His hobbies include writing novels, painting, bridge and tennis. He captained the Lords and Commons Tennis Club.

Malcolm Victory (Green)

Malcolm lived in Croydon before moving to Malvern 15 years ago.

He is married, with four children, and works as a designer, having gained several patents.

He is a director of the Malvern Fringe Festival and is partly responsible for the annual May day event in Malvern.

He is a councillor in Malvern Wells, teaches karate to young children, enjoys amateur dramatics, music and art.

Ian Morris (UK Independence Party)

Ian, aged 59, is a chartered surveyor, based in Malvern.

He has two daughters.

His former wife died five years ago.

He was educated at Rutlish School, which John Major attended, and also City School, Lincoln.

He held senior positions in local government and was a partner in a large firm of surveyors before setting up his own professional practice.

He was a constituency chairman in the Young Conservatives, stood as a Conservative in local government elections and served as a parish councillor.