Former Gloucester Labour MP Parmjit Dhanda joined forces with current candidate Alex McIntyre to launch the party's latest campaign.

On Saturday, Mr Dhanda and Mr McIntyre came together at Spartans RFC to mark the official launch of Mr McIntyre's campaign to be Gloucester's next MP.

Many Gloucester residents will remember Mr Dhanda as an MP for the city. He took the seat for Labour in 2001 and retained it in 2005 before losing it to Conservative Richard Graham at the 2010 General Election.

The pair were joined for the launch by Cllr Terry Pullen, Leader of the Labour Group on Gloucester City Council, plus a host of enthusiastic party members and supporters.

Under the last Labour Government, Mr Dhanda played a major part in getting the new Gloucestershire College built on Llanthony Road and bringing the £1 billion regeneration project at Gloucester Quays.

Mr McIntyre, who lives in Cam, said: "I am delighted to welcome Parmjit back to Gloucester to help launch my campaign. Parmjit's legacy of record investment in Gloucester shows the impact a Labour MP and a Labour government can have in the city.

"We need a General Election now. Gloucester's economy, public services and communities have been held back by 13 years of Conservative government. It's time for the next Labour government that will deliver change for the people of Gloucester, restore hope and optimism for our country and build a fairer, greener, more dynamic city."

Mr Dhanda said: "Having served the community in Gloucester for many years, I know what a special and unique city it is. Alex is a fantastic candidate who can make a real impact here as the city's next Labour MP. With fantastic support from the party and the community, I have no doubt that we can win here in Gloucester."

After the launch, Labour members were out canvassing in Kingsholm and Westgate, talking to residents on the doorstep about the issues they're facing and what a Labour Government will do for them.

Punchline says: "The Labour Party are obviously racking up the fight for Gloucester and for the first time in years they seem to believe they can take the city. We've got a bun fight on our hands and it will be interesting over the next year or so to watch it unfold."