THE LIB Dem candidate for Halesowen and Rowley Regis has welcomed the upcoming election saying the "Lib Dems are the only Remain party with a chance."

Ryan Priest, aged 22, has been chosen by the party to stand against sitting Conservative MP James Morris in the election, on December 12.

The 22-year-old said: "After three years of chaos, of the lies of the leave campaign unravelling, this is a chance for a change in direction for our community.

"Our community is going to be hit hard if Brexit goes ahead, the EU is a massive source of funding for key sectors in Halesowen and Rowley Regis.

"Farmers in the West Midlands can expect to lose over £15M per year, our higher education centres are set to lose a similar amount.

"This election is a chance to fight for future.

"In Halesowen and Rowley Regis, the Liberal Democrats are the only Remain party with a chance.

"Labour Brexit is still Brexit, and it will still hit the pockets of the poorest in society - only the Lib Dems are fighting to stop the chaos."

James Morris MP, who has consistently voted with the Government on Brexit, said he has worked hard on issues people care about since he was elected in 2010.

Mr Morris, who is backing the Save Halesowen's Countryside group in its fight to protect Halesowen greenbelt, said: "Since 2010 I have been getting things done in Halesowen and Rowley Regis like campaigning to keep Halesowen police station open and standing with our community to protect our precious countryside; protecting and improving local health services, like at Rowley Regis Hospital.

"There is still much more left to do.

"During the campaign I’ll be setting out my positive vision for Halesowen and Rowley Regis."