PEOPLE who are considering standing for election as an MP or councillor in Worcester are being invited to make their minds up now.

Ahead of the contest on Thursday, May 7, Worcester City Council has announced that the process for nominations has kicked off.

As well as the Worcester parliamentary seat, held by Conservative MP Robin Walker with a majority of 2,982, 11 of the 35 city council seats are up for grabs.

Last year's council elections resulted in another hung authority, with no party in overall control at the Conservative-led Guildhall.

Duncan Sharkey, city council managing director, said: "It’s a popular myth that you have to be part of a political party to stand as an MP or a councillor, but you don’t.

"If you want to help and support your local community we can give you all the help and guidance you need to stand for election."

The city council wards which will contest seats are Arboretum, Bedwardine, Cathedral, Claines, Nunnery, St Clement, St John, St Peter’s, St Stephen, Warndon Parish North and Warndon Parish South.

There will also be elections on the same day for St Peter’s and Warndon parish councils.

Nominations for all elections will close at 4pm on Thursday, April 9.

For more details visit www.worcester.gov.uk/elections or by calling the city's elections services office on 01905 722 027.