The BBC has invited Abi McGuire, an independent candidate for the Wells and Mendip Hills seat, to participate in their upcoming hustings after initially excluding her from this evening's event.

Initially, McGuire reported that she was excluded from the hustings event, which is set to be hosted by Justin Webb at Blackford Village Hall tonight at 6 pm.

The event aims to provide constituents with the opportunity to question their candidates directly. Despite her repeated requests, McGuire said she was denied participation.

Having spent 18 months engaging with voters—knocking on 22,027 doors and attending all 51 parish council meetings—McGuire expressed disappointment at her exclusion and planned to host her own event outside the venue to ensure her voice and those of her supporters would still be heard.

However, in a reversal announced yesterday afternoon, McGuire received an invitation from the BBC to join the hustings.

She said: "They invited me at 3 pm yesterday as there was an overwhelming response from the public to the BBC stating they wanted me present."

This change will allow McGuire to present her platform alongside other candidates, ensuring a more comprehensive debate for the constituents of Wells and Mendip Hills.

With the final list of candidates now confirmed, the race includes:

- Craig Clarke, Independent

- Helen Himms, Reform Party

- Joe Joseph, Labour Party

- Abi McGuire, Independent

- Tessa Munt, Liberal Democrat

- Meg Powell-Chandler, Conservative

- Peter Welsh, Green Party

With the general election set for July 4, 2024, voters in the constituency are advised to note important changes to the way they vote:

Constituency Changes: The revised Wells and Mendip Hills constituency includes Wells, Axbridge, Cheddar, and Shepton Mallet. However, it has been reshaped to exclude the coastal towns of Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge, which are now part of the new Bridgwater constituency, and Street and Glastonbury, which are now in the Glastonbury and Somerton constituency. Additionally, the constituency has expanded to include Yatton and several smaller settlements that were previously part of the Weston-super-Mare constituency.

New Voter ID Requirements: A significant change for all voters in this election is the introduction of mandatory photo ID at polling stations, a measure introduced by the current government. To vote, individuals will need to present one of several forms of acceptable photo ID. This includes UK or Northern Ireland driving licences, UK or other specified passports, various national ID cards, Blue Badges, biometric residence permits, Defence Identity Cards, and more. Even expired IDs will be accepted, provided the photo is still a good likeness.

For those who do not possess any of the acceptable forms of ID, there is an option to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate via the UK Government website, which will require a national insurance number and a recent digital photo.

Proxy Voting: Voters who plan to vote by proxy should note that they will need to bring their own ID to the polling station; they do not need to present ID for the person they are representing.

These changes are crucial for ensuring that all eligible voters can participate in the election without issues. .