LUDLOW'S new MP hopeful has accused the Government of being "embarrassing" and "dishonest" in a searing statement as he gears up for the next election.

Matthew Green, the former MP for Ludlow has been confirmed as the Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for South Shropshire.

Mr Green, who was previously Ludlow’s MP from 2001 to 2005, said: “From conversations with local residents on doorsteps over the past couple of years, it has become clear that the overwhelming mood of the electorate is to see this shameful Conservative Government removed from office.

“When Chris Naylor sadly had to, for health reasons, step back from being the Lib Dem candidate for South Shropshire, many people asked me to put myself forward. They did so because they believe I represent the best chance of ensuring that South Shropshire does not return a Tory MP, as I am the only person to have beaten the Tories in the constituency in the past 100 years. Those residents know that the fewer Tory MPs that get elected, the lower the chance they will be the Government again.

“I have listened to all those local residents, and I agree with them. As the imperative is to get rid of this embarrassing and dishonest Government, I’ve thrown my hat back into the ring.”

The second-placed Liberal Democrats won the seat from the Conservatives in 2001, where Mr Green gained 43.2 per cent of the votes with the Conservatives just behind on 39.4 per cent. At the following election, Conservative Philip Dunne won with 45.1 per cent, and Mr Green came narrowly second with 40.7 per cent of the votes.

The sitting Conservative MP, Philip Dunne, announced he is standing down at the next election. The South Shropshire constituency is formed from Ludlow Constituency with the addition of two extra wards which are currently in Shrewsbury and Atcham Constituency.

Mr Green has lived in Shropshire for over 50 years, with over 25 years living in South Shropshire in Ratlinghope, Bishops Castle and Much Wenlock. He is a keen cricketer and is about to start his 25th year with the local Much Wenlock Cricket Club.