SEVENTY new members have already been welcomed by the Mid Worcestershire Labour Party since the General Election, taking the membership to its highest ever level.

Several of the new recruits joined a very well attended meeting at Pershore FC function room on Saturday to take part in a review of the local Labour campaign and to plan future activity.

Secretary Ros Gowers said: "We are already planning for future county and district council elections and with close to 500 members we know we can make a difference by campaigning on local issues.

"With new and existing members in the villages, as well as in Evesham and Droitwich, we can respond quickly and effectively to residents’ concerns."

Acting chairman Steve Ainsworth said: "Everyone agreed that we had an excellent local candidate in Helen Russell, who fought a very strong campaign.

"Today our members have given us new ideas as to how to further improve our organisation and sharpen the impact of our message to voters.

"While everyone here was disappointed by the election result, it is great to see such energy and participation. We are determined together to hold our local MP to account for his activities and votes."

Members will meet again at the same venue on February 1 to decide which (if any) candidates the local party should endorse in the important forthcoming elections for Leader and Deputy Leader of the Labour Party nationally.