The Liberal Democrats have launched their general election campaign in West Dorset with a rally in support of their Parliamentary candidate Edward Morello.

Having come second in the 2019 general election the Liberal Democrats claim they are the only alternative to the Conservatives in West Dorset.

Mr Morello and the West Dorset Liberal Democrats launched their campaign in Charminster on Wednesday, May 29.

Using the rally to outline his priorities, Liberal Democrat candidate Edward Morello said: “I believe we need to protect and repair what makes West Dorset such a special place.

"I want to fix our local health service so that we can access GPs and NHS dentists.

"I want to protect our countryside, rivers, and beaches from water companies dumping sewage.

"I will fight the cost of living crisis, and bring down energy and food bills.

"I will ensure our rural economy can thrive, and farmers can make a living producing high-quality food for our communities.“

The launch sets up a rematch of the 2019 election in West Dorset between the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats.

In 2019 MP Chris Loder won the seat with 33,589, with Mr Morello finishing in second place with 19,483 votes.

Green Party candidate Kelvin Clayton, who ran in 2019, will also be running for the Green's again in 2024.

Mr Morello added: “The Conservative Party has taken West Dorset for granted for too long. The Liberal Democrats will deliver a better deal for residents of West Dorset.”