A general election has been called for Thursday 4 July by prime minister Rishi Sunak today (May 22).

The PM had said earlier in 2024 an election would be called in the second half of the year.

Parliament will be dissolved by May 30 ahead of residents going to the polls.

In Kenilworth and Southam, current MP Sir Jeremy Wright is set to run for election again for the Conservatives, having first been elected in 2005.

Sir Jeremy Wright has been Kenilworth's MP since 2005 (image supplied)

Meanwhile Jenny Wilkinson will represent the Liberal Democrats - who came second in the constituency during the 2019 election with Richard Dickson as the group's candidate.

Zoe Leventhal was expected to represent the Greens but last month announced she would be stepping down from the campaign.

The Greens have not announced a replacement candidate yet.

Labour is yet to confirm who will represent the group locally in July.

In 2019, the four major parties all ran a candidate in Kenilworth and Southam, alongside the Monster Raving Loony Party.

In his speech today Mr Sunak said: "Now is the moment for Britain to choose its future."

Jenny Wilkinson (right) with Lord 'Dick' Newby (left) surrounded by campaign supporters (image supplied)