ROBIN Walker is the new Conservative candidate hoping to become Worcester's next MP.

The 28-year-old described himself as "the happiest man in Worcester" when the party announced his name of Friday night. Clearly enthusiastic and excited to be a step closer to the seat his father, Lord Walker, once held for more than 30 years, the young politician has been a Tory campaigner since he was a toddler.

He said he is ready to face Mike Foster and to take on a Government that he believed was getting increasingly out of touch with the country.

"I'm looking forward to taking on Mike Foster but I also want to make it clear I'm not going to be fighting a personal campaign. That is not the way to do politics," he said. "The election is for local people to choose who they want representing the Faithful City." Mr Walker, who studied at Oxford University, recalled going door-to-door with his father, Peter, when he was in a pushchair. He currently lives in south London but plans to move to Worcester soon.

Mr Walker said: "It has been a gruelling process and there were some great candidates along the way. I'm thrilled that I got through. This is a great time to be a Conservative."

Stephen Inman, leader of the Conservative group, said it was Mr Walker's drive and enthusiasm, as well as his Worcester background, that set him apart from the other candidates. He said: "He is the future, he is young and we in the association mirror what is happening nationally with the Conservatives."

Mr Walker is keen to begin meeting people. The next election is not for another three years and, during that time, he said he will be finding out what issues local people want raised.

Labour MP Mike Foster said he was not surprised to hear the association had chosen Lord Walker's youngest son.

"He is classic new Tory party image. A very expensive private school education, who works in the City of London and with no connections to Worcester other than his daddy. He is a Tory toff," he said.