We gave each candidate in the Bradford West constituency an equal amount of space to set out their election message. Here is what they wrote. Photographs were also provided by the candidates.
George Grant (Conservative)
I got involved in politics because I believe in empowerment.
It is something that I’ve carried over from my life outside politics, from my work on financial inclusion of the very poorest in the UK and overseas, to my responsibilities as chairman of a prisoner rehabilitation charity in Leeds.
What I’ve learned is that helping others is not enough. The key is helping others to help themselves. Jobs are the starting point, which is why I am proud to representing a Conservative Party that has seen unemployment in this country fall to record lows, including here in Bradford.
But as important is that those jobs are properly paid. Dramatic increases to the minimum wage and the tax-free allowance are two Conservative policies of which I am genuinely proud.
Reforms to education are equally vital, a perennial problem here in Bradford.
The Conservatives’ academies programme is a step in the right direction, as is our increased focus on vocational apprenticeships for young people.
My family connections to Bradford stretch back to 1835, when my great-great-great-great-grandfather John Foster founded the Black Dyke Mills in Queensbury, along with the world-famous brass band. I hope to continue that long history if elected your MP.
Alun Griffiths (Liberal Democrat)
I have lived and worked as a GP in Bradford since coming here nearly 33 years ago. My two children are now grown up, though the younger is still at university so not completely left yet!
I took up running a few years ago and recently completed my fifth marathon, in London, as well as many shorter events and over a hundred Parkruns. My next challenge is an ultramarathon.
I play bass and basic guitar and do the occasional floor spot in local pubs. I love to sing and can be heard in (and from quite a distance outside) Thornton Methodist Church where I am a steward.
I am an experienced councillor for Idle and Thackley ward and have served on the Environment scrutiny committee and Regulatory and Appeals.
Celia Hickson (Green)
I am contesting the Bradford West seat as a Green Party candidate because I want to address the dreadful rise in poverty in our district which has been unequally hit by the draconian austerity measures of this and the previous government.
In some wards of our fine city half of all children are growing up in absolute poverty; a fact that is plain wrong in 21st century Britain; the world’s fifth richest nation.
This deprivation impacts upon a child’s life chances and educational attainment which is another area that needs attention in Bradford.
Our old housing stock leaks heat and fuel poverty is a big problem for Bradford’s residents.
The Green Party will spend on insulation and renewable energy programmes that will help keep fuel bills down and help those in most need keep warm and fed.
Our transport systems are outdated, polluting and inefficient.
We need to invest in sustainable transport solutions whose profits go to improving services not to line the pockets of wealthy shareholders.
Our NHS urgently needs additional investment to maintain and improve services; it is rapidly approaching crisis, but does not need the “help” of the private sector. Vote Green on June 8th.
Derrick Hodgson (Ukip)
I was born and bred in Bradford West and lived there for almost 50 years. Educated in Manningham and Heaton, I have worked within the Bradford District all my life. Whilst I now live in Bingley, I spent 35 years in Clayton and my children still live there. I know the area very well.
Almost half of Bradford West (49.1 per cent) voted to leave the EU, with much higher figures voting Leave in Thornton, Allerton and Clayton. I am standing in this election to represent those voters.
As the UKIP candidate, we have far-reaching social integration policies that aim to integrate all religions and faiths into British culture, and to promote the rights of women within all faiths.
Bradford seems to have been long forgotten by Labour since its former heyday. We desperately need a major employer to bring jobs and prosperity back to Bradford.
We need affordable and co-ordinated public transport to alleviate pressures of parking at BRI Hospital and we need to re-generate the City Centre. These will be my top priorities, if elected.
Naz Shah (Labour)
I was born and bred in Bradford. My proudest moment came in 2015 when I was elected to represent you in Bradford West.
Since then I have worked tirelessly to promote our great city and to protect our vital services from the savage cuts of this Tory government.
Bradford West is amongst the areas worst hit by Tory cuts.
Our NHS, schools, police and Council are all under threat from the Tories. Living standards have fallen, they have failed to protect incomes and are currently trying to force through further devastating cuts to all services in Bradford. People from all walks of life have been affected by the last seven years of Tory failure. Only a Labour government can reverse these disastrous policies.
The Labour Party, that I represent, stand here on a platform of prosperity and optimism. Our manifesto and our commitments exclude no one.
We will keep free school lunches, scrap tuition fees, build houses, protect pensioners and fund our NHS properly. Young or old we are there for you.
Your vote for me will ensure a strong voice in parliament for Bradford West, fighting for the things that matter to you.
Salma Yaqoob (Independent)
We all have the power to create positive change, and there’s no doubt this is urgently needed in Bradford West. For too long, its constituents have been neglected, their basic needs ignored and their hopes destroyed.
I’m inspired to change this, and as an Independent I shall be able to do so, unconstrained by party whip, accountable only to the residents I represent.
We need a joint approach. On the one hand, challenge and introduce consequences for failure to deliver. Complacency and continued failure is no longer an option. On the other hand, we need to bring people together regardless of background and political or tribal loyalty to get things done. The focus has to be on solutions, not political point scoring.
I was born in Bradford and my family is based in this proud city. My connection with Bradford West runs deep. I’m proud of my roots, but am saddened by the lost potential of Bradford West.
I’m here to serve you all. Everyone deserves excellent, accountable public services, including schools and hospitals; investment in infrastructure, education and training; employment opportunities; put simply, a fair chance to fulfil your potential.
MORE ELECTION NEWS FROM BRADFORD WEST
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