Indecision in city over general election choices

Retired body-maker Arthur Mansell said he was sceptical whether the general election would improve the state of the country

Voters at a cafe in Worcester have welcomed the announcement of the next general election for 4 July.

While many I spoke to said they remained undecided about who to vote for, they highlighted the importance of issues including the NHS and the economy.

Worcester is often considered a bellwether seat in general elections with the outcome mirroring the overall national result.

Since 2010 the constituency has had a Conservative MP, Robin Walker, who is standing down this time.

"I feel like the country is like riding on the Titanic and we've hit the iceberg," retired bus body-maker Arthur Mansell said.

The 86-year-old added he was glad a general election had been called but sceptical if any party would improve matters.

"I don't think there's much hope... unless we get someone with real authority," he told me, over a fried breakfast at Poppins cafe in Worcester.

Having recently been ill, he said he was concerned about the state of the NHS and remained unconvinced by any of the current leaders of the political parties.

Previous Conservative voter Chris Tye said he had not made his mind up about who to vote for on 4 July

Another customer, Chris Tye, was also undecided how he would vote.

"I have always voted. I've been Conservative until now... I'm not automatically going to vote the same way I always have," he told me.

Currently unemployed, Mr Tye said he was not impressed with the state of the country.

He said he wanted to see parties promise to improve the benefits system and shorten waiting lists in the NHS.

Church centre assistant Ben Fox agreed.

Another previous Conservative voter, he said he had liked the city's current MP Robin Walker but was unsure who to pick now he was standing down.

"The country's in a very bad state: long waiting lists... migration out of control... a lot of homeless on the streets in Worcester," he said.

Beauty consultant Nicola Yildiz said she was glad voters had an opportunity to have their say

"Schools is a big one for me, as a mother. The NHS is extremely important. Both sectors are extremely important," said beauty consultant Nicola Yildiz.

"I'm very happy there's going to be a general election.

"Me personally, I'm still trying to find out which party I'm going to vote for."

Poppins cafe's manager Irfan Yildiz hoped the general election would bring positive news for the economy

Poppins' manager Irfan Yildiz told me that for him the economy was the central issue.

"Covid was the biggest impact. People come in less and less," he said.

"As a business we're still doing OK but the food prices are going up... energy prices."

Mr Yildiz said he was considering skipping voting this time but could still be convinced by a political party.