LOCAL Lib Dems have yet to select a candidate for the Stourbridge constituency at this May's General Election.

But Stourbridge stalwart campaigner Chris Bramall confirmed the Lib Dems would be contesting the seat in May.

The retired 72-year-old from Wollaston has fought for the Stourbridge seat on four previous occasions, finishing third every time.

But he admitted: "This election has come at the wrong time and the wrong year for me as I am currently studying for an Open University degree in International Studies and the course doesn't finish until June."

However, he hasn't ruled himself out of standing again, adding: "I haven't thrown my hat into the ring, although I am on the list of candidates, so if the party asks me, I'll stand.

"Alternatively they might think it's time for someone new to take up the challenge.

"The most important thing is that we have a standard bearer - someone to stand and put our principals forward."

Despite a big dip in the party's fortunes at recent by-elections, ex-Dudley borough councillor Mr Bramall has consistently polled 16 per cent of the Stourbridge vote.

He believes the Stourbridge constituency could develop into a five horse race this time and said: "There hasn't been a great deal of change in Stourbridge during my time as a candidate. I always feel that in by-elections, people are voting to make a statement, rather than voting for a government.

"I've lived in Stourbridge for over 25 years and I love knocking on doors, so if the party wants me to stand, I'm happy to do so.

"There have been informal discussions over a candidate and I'm sure there will be an announcement soon."

Sitting Stourbridge MP Margot James will be hoping to retain the seat for the Conservatives in 2015; while Councillor Pete Lowe, leader of Dudley Council, is heading up Labour's fight to unseat the high-profile Tory; and West Midlands Euro MP James Carver has been selected as the UKIP candidate for Stourbridge.

The Greens have yet to confirm whether they will field a candidate in Stourbridge with Netherton Councillor Will Duckworth, deputy leader of the Green Party, saying: " We simply don't have £2,000 in our pocket to put a candidate up in every constituency."