People in Salisbury have expressed their opinions on the upcoming general election, with many disillusioned or unsure about the future of the country.

PM Rishi Sunak called a snap summer general election on May 22, which will take place on Thursday, July 4.

Political parties have been vying for the votes of the public, with prospective candidates campaigning in recent weeks.

A number of hustings have taken place in the last week, giving voters the opportunity to get to know their candidates better and question them on social and political issues.

SEE ALSO: Climate change, Russia and private school fees: BWS hustings highlights

Journal reporters visited the city centre on Thursday, June 27 to ask people in and around Salisbury for their opinions ahead of voting day, and their thoughts prior to going to their polling stations.

Chris and Ray ClaridgeChris and Ray Claridge (Image: Newsquest)

Carol and Nick Keith live in Salisbury and said that 'there's not one party which stands out'. Carol said: "For us our main concerns with this upcoming election is surrounding the environment and recycling, and its something that we have not seen any of the candidates focus on at all. 

"It seems each different council and area has a different idea of what they want to do to help the environment, and a massive part of that is sorting out recycling issues and making the process more uniformed, and simpler to make a significant change.

"Unfortunately the candidates are more interested in criticising each other and arguing, but frankly something needs to be done to make a change for the better."

Greg Mcfarlane has lived in Salisbury for 20 years and had previously voted conservative, but is now going to vote for Reform UK.

Greg said: "I believe in the sovereignty of this country and think that Reform UK is the best option for making a significant, meaningful change.

"Jeremy Hunt wants to scrap the Limited Capability for Work assessment, which to people with real disabilities like myself, will have such a negative impact on their life. There are things Nigel Farage stands for which I don't but I think he is the best option we have to get this country back on track again.

Chris and Ray Claridge have both voted for Labour on the postal vote. Ray said: "Whoever is coming in next is going to inherit a whole load of baggage, but think Labour has the best chance of doing something right. They stand for the majority of the people in this country, and most of the others have their heads in the clouds."

Chris added: "Services in this country need to be nationalized again. Half the problem is crumbling infrastructure which cannot cope with shareholders taking all of the money out of the system as opposed to reinvesting it back into the infrastructure. 

"At the end of the day, whoever is coming in will be faced with plenty of challenges, but you've got to try and support someone."

John Barker said: "I cannot believe the self inflicted injuries made by the Tory party at almost every hurdle. They have clearly made mistakes along the way, but frankly 14 years is too long for one party to be in power. In recent memory Rishi Sunak is the best out of the last three prime ministers we've had, but if you want investment in public services, Labour are going to be the party to do it.

"People quite rightly expect and deserve more honesty and integrity from our politicians."

Salisbury's candidates that will stand on July 4 are:

  • Matt Aldridge: Labour Party
  • Victoria Charleston: Liberal Democrat
  • John Glen: Conservative
  • Chris Harwood: Climate Party
  • Julian Malins: Reform UK
  • Barney Norris: Green Party
  • King Arthur Pendragon: Independent