We now have just days to go until the General Election - but who is standing for your vote in Darlington?
Later this week we will know who will be the next Prime Minister of our country after the nation goes to the polls and casts their votes on July 4.
At this election, Darlington has five candidates you can choose from to represent you in the next parliament.
We've compiled this handy list and links to interviews we conducted with each candidate so you can find out more about them and what they stand for.
Peter Gibson - The Conservative Party
We asked Peter all about his manifesto points as well as his last five years in office during our interview.
He said: “It’s not just a job it’s certainly not a 9 to 5. It is a complete change of life not just for you but for your family and friends. It’s full on, 24/7.
“I’ve had the time of my life, but there have been some really dark days. Some really tough days.”
He added: “I have a track record of working hard for the people in this town regardless of what’s going on in Westminster. I have a track record of delivering substantial investments to our town and working hard on the ground with people providing a previously unprovided service to the residents in this community.
“That’s why I’m standing in this election that’s why I want to continue to provide for the people of Darlington to the best of my ability.”
Lola McEvoy - The Labour Party
We asked Lola why she wants to be Darlington's next MP.
She said: “I grew up off North Road. I’m from the town and I love it. I had a fantastic start in life here and I am excited to stand for my hometown – it’s an incredible privilege.
“I think there are things that need to be done to make the opportunities for young people better. We are at a fork in the road.
“A Labour government will bring more opportunities to the North East and our town and enable everyone to thrive. That’s really important to me because I had a great set-up here.
“My mum was a teacher at Carmel, and my dad was a nurse at North Tees - they did really well under a Labour government. That’s the important thing to note.”
Simon Thorley - Liberal Democrats
We asked Simon to tell us a bit about himself and why he wants to be Darlington’s next MP.
He said: “I am from Darlington. I was born here, I grew up here. Darlington is home. I’ve never been someone who would seek to represent somewhere that they don’t live.
“It is about Darlington as much as it is about party politics. I look at Darlington and I can certainly see compared to the towns around it, that some good stuff is happening here.
“We have an investment in the treasury building which is great. The town is growing and investment in the railway station is good as well. Unfortunately, this does not outweigh the issues we are facing.”
Matthew Snedker - The Green Party
"Darlington is just a beautiful town. It is so well placed," Matthew began, explaining his childhood in the West Midlands before he went on to study engineering.
"I’ve lived in Darlington for 23 years. I chose to bring my family up here; my three children have attended local schools.
"I am actually already serving Darlington as a borough counsellor and have been for five years representing the college ward area. I also lead the group of seven green councillors on the council."
He added: "We are not going to form a government, we are not going to have a green Prime Minister, we know that.
"But, Greens in parliament will keep the government right and bring forward really positive and innovative ideas."
Michael Walker - Reform UK
Michael told us why he wants to be the towns next MP.
He said: “I was born and bred in Darlington - my wife and I returned to the town after living elsewhere during the pandemic.
“I want to be the next MP because I have been listening to a lot of people in Darlington. They feel like a lot of politicians are not listening to them or what they want.
“They want lower taxes, to end illegal immigration, they want to stop money being wasted by the government on things like net zero and sending foreign aid to places like China and India.
“They really just feel like people in government and politics are not listening to them. I want to be their voice for them and their champion in Parliament and make sure the things that they feel are important are discussed at the highest level.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here