SHIPLEY: Candidates' statements

I’M Steve Clapcote, the Labour Party candidate for Shipley. I’m 42 and work as a medical scientist at Leeds University, where I undertake research on neurological disorders, teach undergraduate students, and volunteer as a caseworker for my trade union. 

Born into a working-class family, I went to state schools and worked on farms before studying genetics at university. I am seeking election as the next MP for Shipley because I care passionately about our area, and believe I have enough experience of life and working in the world to do the job well. 

My current work as a medical scientist and my political aspirations both have the same ambition: to make people’s lives better. 

My political views are based on my belief that societies work better when there is a greater degree of equality. 

I think we’re happier when there’s sense of community and belonging, with shared values and a shared pride in our heritage, in a country where everyone plays by the same rules, including those at the top. 

My local priority as your MP will be to ensure that Shipley gets the investment it needs to improve our schools and transport infrastructure, build more affordable homes, and deliver high-quality vocational training for young people in partnership with local businesses. Developing a high-skill, high-wage economy is important for our future prosperity. 

Our plan is to build a secure, prosperous and more equal country.

WHEN I was first elected as the local MP in Shipley back in 2005, I made it clear that I would never accept a promotion and remain on the backbenches so that I could always speak out independently for the best interests of my constituents irrespective of what the party whips tell me to do. 

That is a pledge I have always maintained and which I make again at this election.

If re-elected I will continue to be an active MP both in Parliament and in the local community, striving to ensure my constituents get the best possible service from me irrespective of their political allegiances. 
I will hold the Government vigorously to account - whoever is in Government.

I will continue to work alongside local residents to fight against inappropriate housing developments which would destroy our cherished green spaces and change the nature of our villages, and I will also continue to campaign for better transport infrastructure including a Shipley Eastern Bypass.

I will also continue to battle with Bradford Council for a fairer distribution of their resources away from the centre of Bradford and into the Shipley constituency, where much of the council tax income for the council is raised.

It has been a tremendous privilege to represent the Shipley constituency in Parliament over the past ten years, and I hope to earn the trust and confidence of local residents to continue to do so.

AS we see it, Britain is not working. Some of the poorest areas within Europe are located within the United Kingdom. 

We need to stop, think, challenge and change the status quo. For us at Yorkshire First this involves building a more democratic, engaged and accountable Yorkshire; in which all who are born herein or choose to live here are proud to call themselves citizens of Yorkshire. 

We would like to secure a parliament for Yorkshire within the United Kingdom. This regional, democratic and accountable Yorkshire parliament, would allow us to rebalance the economy away from the South East of the UK, and build a thriving Yorkshire that works for all our people. 

Shipley encapsulates our region; mill towns and villages surrounded by beautiful countryside. If elected as your MP, I will work hard to promote a balanced economy that supports sustainable business growth. 
This economic growth would provide meaningful employment for local residents.

I would also champion and promote better transportation links for both public and private transport users; many residents of Shipley face cramped, expensive and long commutes to work. 

I would defend public health services, and promote improved provision for general practice and social care. The need for good health and social care is an important issue for all the residents of Shipley. 

Let me put the constituency of Shipley first, through you the residents voting Darren Hill – Yorkshire First.

I WAS born in Bradford in 1989; I have a maudlin attachment with Bradford.

I have studied at Stoney Lee Middle school, went to Bingley Grammar School, and attended the University of Bradford, successfully completing my masters degree in finance. 

Previously, I have worked as a voluntary youth worker around Bradford and completed my qualifications in youth work. 

I have vast knowledge in subject areas in accounting, finance and economics and political affairs.

To make Bradford into the great city it once was, and attract a maximum footfall for investors to invest, we need to build our infrastructure to compete on a national level. 

I have proposed to improve the rail links in the Aire Valley and Wharfe Valley region, connecting people to commute efficiently, decreasing congestion both on the trains and roads throughout Skipton, Bingley, Bradford and Leeds.

I am here to take on the challenge and represent Shipley constituency, and with your support on May 7, 2015, we will make Bradford a better place.

Bear in mind, I am the only Parliamentary candidate who has addressed more local issues within the region.

I’VE worked for public relations companies, charities and even the Liberal Democrat party.  

Born and bred in Devon, lived in towns and cities across the UK, now married with three young children. 

I work full time as director of a public relations agency focused on community engagement. 

My parents both left school at 15 to go into the workplace – much has changed since their day and we are the better for it. 

I’m passionate about equalities, solving the housing crisis and education. 

I was fortunate enough to study for my degree at the University of East London.

As a father to a young family, I’m most concerned about adequate funding for our public sector services – while remaining financially responsible. 

We are the only party committed to achieving that balance. 

Our record in Government is something of which we can be proud, lifting thousands of local people out of income tax; improving pensions and protecting funding in education.

Fundamentally, our NHS is our most treasured public service and it is safe in Liberal Democrat hands. We’ll invest the £8 billion the NHS says they need to maintain high-quality care you expect, free when you need it. Neither of the other main parties has done this. 

Our plan for the NHS is one of just five priorities at this election.

My party is truly ‘international’ with commitments to promote peace, advance human rights, democracy and trade throughout the world. 

I AM standing as the Green Party candidate for Shipley because I want to help secure a better future for everyone who lives in our community. 

I want to live in a society that is fairer and more equal, where people earn decent pay and can find affordable housing. 

I want a government that will eradicate the poverty that blights the lives of many of our children and older people. 

I want to drive down energy bills and end fuel poverty by insulating our homes and installing solar energy technology on as many roofs as possible. 

I want a government that deals with the traffic issues that anger so many of us and ensure that we all have access to good public transport or can cycle and walk safely to where we want to go.

I want our health and social care to be managed locally by professionals we know and to be properly funded so that, for example, I can see my GP more easily. 

I want to live in a place where local businesses thrive and where residents enjoy a real choice about where to shop near their front doors. 

Above all, I want our country to make the transition to a low-carbon economy in which we enjoy true energy security and a stable climate. 

These are the reasons why I am standing as a parliamentary candidate and why I will be voting Green in these elections.