THE 2015 General Election campaign has got underway in Brecon and Radnorshire with a visit from a Conservative cabinet minister.

Eric Pickles, the local government minister for England, visited Ystradgynlais with Tory candidate Chris Davies.

The Glasbury county councillor is seen as the main challenger to Liberal Democrat MP Roger Williams who is defending a 3,747 majority over the Conservatives from the 2010 election.

Following a walk around Ystradgynlais town centre Mr Pickles defended the coalition government's austerity programme and its economic record but warned more cuts are on the way.

"I don't think there is any serious party that would suggest that there aren't going to be," said Mr Pickles of the post election period with the Tories, their current coalition partners the Lib Dems and the Labour Party all committed to reducing public borrowing.

But his comments have drawn an angry response from both the Plaid Cymru and Green Party candidates fighting for the Brecon and Radnorshire seat.

Plaid's Freddy Greaves said: "We are very serious and we would be an alternative. If Plaid, the SNP and Greens in England have enough MPs to hold the balance austerity will be reviewed in May."

Chris Carmichael, a town councillor in Llandrindod Wells, added: "The Green Party is a serious party and standing on a policy of no cuts."

Labour's candidate is the Powys County Councillor for Brecon St John's ward Matthew Dorrance.

Meanwhile the Green Party is urging people not to miss out on their chance to have their say at the May 7 poll, following changes to the electoral register.

Since June last year, registration is individual, so each potential voter is responsible for making sure they are registered.

Pippa Bartolotti, Wales Green Party leader said: "Right now 96 per cent of older people are registered to vote but only 50 per cent of young voters are registered."

Traditionally the electoral register has been based on households. A form would be sent to each household asking how many people living there are British citizens of voting age.

If a voter is not on the electoral register they are excluded from voting in the general and other elections.

A National Insurance number, which can be found on pay slips or student loan documents, is needed to register at the government's official website, which can be found https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote&quot">https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote" target="_blank">by clicking here.

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