Hazel Grove is set to become a 'key battleground seat' in the upcoming general election.

With a swing of just 5% needed to change the outcome in the constituency, it will be critical in determining the outcome of a general election in around one year's time.

William Wragg - the current Conservative MP for the constituency - has announced that he will not be standing in the next election. The future of the seat, therefore, is contested by non-incumbents. 

Paul Athans will contest the constituency for the Conservatives. Mr Athans said: "The people's priorities in Hazel Grove are the Government's priorities, and Rishi Sunak has my support as he strives to halve inflation, grow the economy, reduce debt, cut waiting lists, and stop the boats.

"I am a passionate believer in Levelling Up and I would look to champion Hazel Grove to gain further funding for projects like the £20m for the Marple Community Hub project which came from the last budget.

"Until the next election, I will be working hard to show people here I am the right person to become their MP and help improve the lives of everyone right across the constituency.

"Hazel Grove needs a Conservative MP to fight for their interests, to help improve lives in our community."

The Lib Dems have similarly made intentions clear. Hazel Grove candidate Lisa Smart said: "The next 12 months are going to be momentous, and getting Liberal Democrats elected really does make a difference, because it's only then that we can do things which genuinely protect people and make their lives better."

Cheadle Lib Dem candidate Tom Morrison added: "The Conservatives have tanked the economy, they have stretched our NHS to breaking point and have left millions of people struggling to live day by day. 

"MPs like Mary Robinson [Cheadle] and William Wragg supported every decision the Government has made, and they need to be stopped. We can be the people who stop them."

The stand-off between the two parties is heightened by the closeness of the last election in Hazel Grove (2019).

The results were as follows: 

• William Wragg (Con) - 21,592
• Lisa Smart (Lib Dem) - 17,169
• Tony Wilson (Lab) - 5,508

It remains to be seen if the next election will be equally close.

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