In response to the election announcement Julian Dean, the Green Party candidate for Shrewsbury said he plans to offer hope and change to local voters.

"The Tory government leaves public services in meltdown, its plans for net zero in crisis and Britain failing on the international stage. They offer a future of division and cruelty - an offer I confidently expect the country to reject" said Julian.

"Future generations need hope and change; affordable homes, better health care and massive investment to tackle the climate crisis. We also need leaders who will stand by those in our communities who are being unjustly targeted, from refugees to trans people."

Julian stated that Labour is likely to form the next government, but need to be pushed to do better. "A huge Green vote, and a strong group of Green MPs is needed now more than ever. Labour has already U-turned on climate investment, on nationalising the water companies and on lifting the child benefit cap which keeps many in our community in poverty. It has ducked the tough issues like stopping selling arms to the extremist government in Israel. Labour continues to be a party of 'business as usual'. A vote for the Green Party is the best way to push for real hope and real change."

Julian also emphasised the strength of the Green Party this time round. "In the last two years Greens have increased our share of elected councillors by more than any other party. For the first time ever we will be standing candidates in every constituency in England and Wales. Hundreds of people joined us within minutes of the election being called" he added.