We gave each candidate in the Bradford South constituency an equal amount of space to set out their election message. Here is what they wrote. Photographs were also provided by the candidates.
Judith Cummins (Labour)
When I was elected two years ago I promised to work hard for people in Bradford South. To put the interests of local people above party politics. To focus on the issues that mattered.
That is what I have done and I am proud of my record.
I’ve fought for funding for our police and our schools – both of which have suffered crippling budget cuts. To protect and improve our NHS. For better transport connections so that local people have access to a wider jobs market and to encourage business to invest in our area.
Conservative cuts have ravaged our communities. The poorest and most vulnerable have been attacked, as have families, pensioners and most recently self-employed workers.
These are the important issues that the Tories don’t want us to talk about. They want us to think this election is all about Brexit, but that’s already happening.
Bradford South is my home where I live with family. We need a local MP sticking up for Bradford South, not a Tory giving Theresa May a blank cheque to inflict more cuts.
I have been a hardworking, local MP and I will keep fighting for local people.
Tanya Graham (Conservative)
In 2015, I stood in Bradford South on a commitment to deliver an EU referendum. Now that Bradford South and the wider country have voted for Brexit, we need strong and stable leadership to make a success of it.
We must control our borders and our laws whilst ensuring our economy grows to fund the vital services people need. Only a vote for me as part of Theresa May’s team can deliver that.
Speaking to residents across the constituency, it has become increasingly clear that the people of Bradford South want change. They want a political representative to stand up and challenge the Labour-led Council, not stand by their side.
Voters talk to me about the decline of the area and a sense of injustice at the decisions being made. They feel totally neglected by Bradford City Hall and Labour.
Bradford South has an opportunity for change on June 8th. Standing with Theresa May, I will ensure that the constituency gets the right focus on local services, education and business. I will fight to reduce crime and clean up the area.
A vote for me is a vote for a strong voice to bring real change to the area.
Therese Hirst (English Democrat)
Like many of my generation I was born into poverty; I am part Polish, Irish and English.
Yet, I studied theology at Durham University and went on to teach religious education, mainly in Bradford, including Feversham All-girls’ Muslim School, maintaining close links with the inter-faith centre before having to retire due to disability. I later studied law at Leeds University and taught law at Bradford College, finally going on to do my Legal Practice at the College of Law, York.
My political career started with Veritas, founded by Robert Kilroy-Silk in 2005, where I campaigned tirelessly to leave the European Union, and was a National Council member of the leading pressure group, Campaign for an Independent Britain, who met at Portcullis House, Westminster.
I am now Deputy Chairman of the English Democrats. I have stood in two general elections in Bradford South and Bradford West.
Last year I stood in the West Yorkshire Police Crime Commissioner Elections receiving over 22,000 votes and came second in the Batley & Spen by-election.
I am standing for election as I believe the elites in Westminster do not represent the people of England, and I hope to be their voice. Catch me on twitter @ThereseHirst.
Darren Parkinson (Green)
My name is Darren Parkinson and I am the Green Party Candidate for Bradford South.
I am standing for election because I believe that Bradford South needs an MP who will stand up for issues that affect local people and the local environment.
I will work to ensure that local residents can live in towns and villages that are free from pollution. I will do this by ensuring, for example, that people who live in areas identified as having high levels of air pollution, such as at Dudley Hill Roundabout, are no longer at risk from poor quality air.
I will oppose unsustainable development such as the proposed plan to build housing on Green Belt land in the Tong Fulneck Valley.
As someone who works in the NHS I see the challenges that staff face on a day to day basis.
I will work to ensure that our NHS is properly funded and remains in public hands.
As a Green MP for Bradford South I will fight to hold the government to account to ensure they deliver an economy that works for everyone, that no-one is left behind and that we live in a fairer and greener country.
Stephen Place (Ukip)
I am 56 years old, born in Sandy Lane and brought up in Allerton. I had an 18-year police career, working in Toller Lane and Bradford City centre before joining the mounted branch.
I have only ever known a Labour or Conservative government and just look where we are; career politicians conning the country and making promises they never keep.
It’s 2017, people are having to access foodbanks to feed their kids and the elderly cannot get the care in their homes that they so deserve in their old age. If you vote Tory, you are going to get five more years of austerity and deeper cuts to services.
The people of Bradford South need a voice who will questions this car-crash Labour-run Bradford Council. A council that spends money on vanity projects whilst cutting essential funding to front line services.
Likewise, if you vote for me I will challenge the Police and Crime Commissioner about the rising crime in the city. The Labour Party has long forgotten Bradford.
Be bold, be brave, buck the trend and vote UKIP for a strong voice. You know what to do on 8th June.
Stuart Thomas (Liberal Democrat)
My focus is education. I have some great plans to rejuvenate education and hope that the cuts to this sector are avoided.
Deprivation in areas of the North is being ignored by the Tories and the creation of grammar schools is evidence of this. I believe more adequate funding should be provided to our current schools instead.
I don’t believe that Labour shows itself as a real opposition to the government, which has been evident over the past two years. They have let the government get away with too much and only a vote for me and the Lib Dems can stop further cuts to education and public sector services.
When I am not working hard for the community, I can often be found in my home workshop, where during my free time I work on woodcrafting.
I have a special appreciation for the outdoors and wildlife and often bring my hobbies together, building homes for animals.
MORE ELECTION NEWS FROM BRADFORD SOUTH
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