THE Green party has selected its parliamentary candidate who will fight MP Sajid Javid for Bromsgrove's seat.

Giovanni Esposito, known to many as Spoz the poet, was chosen by the party to fight for the MP's seat at May's General Election.

Spoz said: "It's time for a change from the business-as-usual politics.

"For me, every Green Party policy stems from the belief that our wellbeing should not be pursued at the expense of others and at the expense of our planet.

"A vote for the Green Party is a vote for the common good - I'm chuffed to be selected."

The 50-year-old freelance poet, who has served as a regional Poet Laureate, was born in Rubery and now lives in Rednal with his wife and two children.

The candidate is launching his campaign with a fundraiser at the Hop Pole Inn on March 29.

Alistair Waugh, Bromsgrove and Redditch Green Party's local party co-ordinator, said: "Spoz would work his socks off for the Bromsgrove constituency.

"He's passionate about tax fairness, youth provision, welfare and education. Following the 'green surge' of interest in the Green Party over recent months, we're confident local people will support Spoz."