'Why I deserve your vote' - Bishop Auckland candidates in their own words

Chris Adams, Conservative Party

"I grew up in Barton, went to my local comprehensive in Richmond, played rugby for Darlington and County Durham, and now live near Gainford. I've built up a successful technology business, and worked with great British brands including Admiral Insurance, Holiday Inn and British Gas. 

"Standing again for election as MP for the Bishop Auckland area, I want to put all of my energy and experience into fighting for South Durham and the North East.

"Many people in our area have voted Labour all their lives, but they feel let down and taken for granted. Labour closed the Durham Light Infantry museum, closed Bishop Auckland A&E, and watched our town centres decline.

"A clear majority of local people voted to leave the European Union, but Labour's candidate Helen Goodman doesn’t get it. She opposed the referendum and opposed people having a say with this election.

"A vote for Chris Adams and Theresa May is a vote for a strong team which will see through local people's clear decision to leave the European Union and get the best deal for Britain and for the North East.

"If elected, I will be a passionate local MP who will stand up for the Bishop Auckland area and graft hard to bring in new investment and jobs.

"I will take urgent action to help save our town centres, by supporting local entrepreneurs and shopkeepers and dealing with eyesores like Festival Walk in Spennymoor which hold them back.

"I will continue my work to protect our local NHS. I've learned the inside track by working with doctors and managers with my technology company. I've met local NHS officials, pushed to get plans into the open, and campaigned for services at Darlington Memorial Hospital."

Helen Goodman, Labour

"I voted to start the Brexit negotiations and my priority now is a Brexit with controlled immigration that boosts exports and secures local jobs with good wages and terms.

"This means:

• Championing manufacturing
• Investing in science
• Ending the North-South divide on infrastructure funding by establishing a regional investment bank
• Giving people the education and skills they need in the modern world
• Banning zero hour contracts
• Supporting small businesses and rolling out broadband

"Neighbourhood policing is vital. We’ll give Durham Constabulary the money to keep the 70 police officers currently set to go on Tory plans.

"It is clear Labour party policy is to pay our two per cent NATO contribution and to maintain Trident.

"The NHS was founded by Labour. We’ll rebuild it. We’ll put in the necessary funds – to make up the current £281million shortfall in the local hospital services. We’ll halt the proposal to close Darlington A&E. We’ll end the cap on nurses pay and recruit the extra paramedics the Ambulance service needs. Then we’ll be able to restore maternity services at Bishop Auckland.

"Mental health will be given the parity it deserves. We’ll end the hated work capability assessments which have destroyed the lives of disabled people. We’ll fund social care properly and raise carer’s allowance so family members can play the role they want to.

"Keep the triple lock, free bus pass, winter fuel allowance and sort the injustices against WASPI women. Only by voting Labour can you be sure your pension will be protected.

"Stop the cuts to school budgets - which average £424 per pupil in County Durham. We’ll introduce free school meals for all primary children. We’ll invest in teachers especially in maths and music."

Ciaran Morrisey, Liberal Democrats

"I’m asking for your vote on June 8th to help create a better future. Bishop Auckland and the surrounding area have been let down by successive governments. Conservative national governments cost us jobs and industry and Labour local governments took the people of the North East for granted. It doesn’t have to be this way. The county council elections show that Labour are collapsing in Durham. Anything can happen in this General Election.

"The Liberal Democrats have no-nonsense, gimmick-free policies. We will put a 1p on the basic income tax to give extra funding to the NHS. We will increase funding to help those with mental health issues. I am concerned that the A&E was allowed to close at Bishop Auckland General Hospital. Why should people living in rural, southwest Durham have to travel the extra distance to Darlington or Durham City in an emergency?

"The region has been losing jobs for decades. Even in recent years, firms like Rothmans, Electrolux, and Courtaulds have closed, along with a massive downsizing of Black and Decker. What has central government done to keep jobs in the region? How will we keep the jobs we still have if we leave the single market? Liberal Democrats have encouraged an increase in apprentices, to give school leavers a better chance in life, to create a new generation of skilled trades workers. I will fight for more Industrial Investment and technologies for our region. Labour used to call itself the party of “education, education, education”. How can it be that if it’s slashing teaching assistant pay by 23%?

"The Liberal Democrats want to protect our jobs, bolster our health service, and to invest in our children’s futures. The other parties won’t do that. That’s why I’m asking for your vote on June 8th."

Adam Walker, British National Party

"I am a 48-year old Army veteran and the current chairman of the British National Party. Married with two young children, I was born in Bishop Auckland and grew up in the constituency.  I received a degree from the University of Sunderland and spent many years living in Japan. 

"As a third dan black belt, I run a very popular and unique karate club in my home town of Spennymoor, from where I feature regularly in the local media.  Many of my students hold national and international titles.

"I am no stranger to unfounded accusations and laugh them off.

"I'm not a career politician. I am an ordinary, decent member of British society. I make mistakes and sometimes even admit them. 

"The political establishment and the Far Left have bullied and persecuted me for years, calling me a racist and worse. 

"If anything, recent events prove that I have been right all along.

"I put myself forward as a candidate because the people of the constituency deserve better than the incumbent passenger of the Labour Party gravy train.  

"Voters have rejected the modern Labour Party in local elections but may not be able to bring themselves to put a cross next to the Tories or LibDems.

"If I can take just one vote from Helen Goodman, then it will be worth it."