Labour's parliamentary candidate for Welwyn Hatfield has said it's "time for change", after a July 4 general election was called.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the date yesterday evening, saying the election will "take place at time when the world is more dangerous than it has been since the end of the Cold War".

A July election is earlier than many in Westminster had expected, with a contest in October or November widely thought to have been more likely.

Reacting to the news, Labour's Welwyn Hatfield parliamentary, Andrew Lewin, said that now is the "time for change" as he expressed his love for the borough.

READ MORE: Grant Shapps reacts as July 4 general election called

"Welwyn Hatfield is my home. I was born at the old QE2 hospital and I live here with my young family," he said.

"I love our community and after 14 years of failure from this Conservative government, we need change. It’s time for change.

I have five local missions for Welwyn Hatfield. Attracting new shops back to our high streets, safer streets with a visible police force, access to a local doctor and dentist when you need them, lowering your energy bills by backing clean and green energy, and a free breakfast club for all of our primary schools.

"I’m proud to be a candidate under Keir Starmer’s leadership. Keir has changed the Labour party which is why those that voted Conservative in the past are looking at us once again."

Current polls have Mr Lewin winning the Welwyn Hatfield seat, which Grant Shapps has held since 2005, with around 46 per cent of the vote.