Voters go to the polls tomorrow to pick the next MP for Macclesfield in the General Election. Here are the five candidates trying to win your vote.
Neil Christian - Liberal Democrat
Neil Christian, 33, is a barrister specialising in family law and working from a chambers in Manchester. He has lived in Cheshire for 10 years and has campaigned with the Liberal Democrats for 15 years.
“Being the smaller party in the first coalition since 1945 and governing a country recovering from the worst recession since 1929 hasn’t been easy for the Lib Dems. I am proud that in government we managed to cut income tax for low and middle earners, protect schools and NHS budgets, create 2 million apprenticeships and from 2017 deliver the biggest rise in the state pension. The Lib Dems have focussed on building a strong and diverse economy and a fairer society; principles I would wish to continue if elected as your Member of Parliament.
“My priorities for Macclesfield will be to promote development and infrastructure projects whilst protecting the green belt and environment. I want to see the creation of more apprenticeships and jobs that will provide the opportunities for young people and families to settle and be secure in the constituency for years to come. Campaigning for the extension of rural broadband will not only help create jobs but also improve people’s quality of life in rural communities.
“The constituents of Macclesfield need a Member of Parliament who will listen, understand their concerns and fight for them at Westminster. I believe I have the experience and ability to take on this responsible job and deliver for the constituents of Macclesfield.”
Adrian Howard - UKIP
Adrian Howard, 52, is the UKIP Macclesfield Parliamentary Candidate. He has lived in Macclesfield for seven years with his partner Jane and their daughter. He previously lived in Poynton for 11 years and works for a manufacturing business in Manchester.
“You only need to look at Mill Street to see that Macclesfield needs change. The town centre needs a wide variety of independent shops, a green grocers and butchers among them. But high rates, rents and parking charges have killed off the shops and put new ones off opening.
“Electing a UKIP MP will put Macclesfield in the spotlight – if elected I intend to keep it there.
“Born in Manchester, I grew up in Cheadle Hulme, first coming to Macclesfield in the 1980s, so I remember the vibrant town centre it once was. I lived in Poynton for 11 years and now Macclesfield for the last seven. Our daughter attends a local school.
“I currently work in Manchester for a large manufacturing business and have previously worked in Boston USA, Holland, Manchester and locally for an advertising agency in Prestbury.
“Like most people I have seen my fair share of ups and downs, from doing well in business to standing in the job centre desperate for work. I have also suffered serious crime so I know how that feels too.
“I am standing, quite simply, because I got sick of shouting at the TV, at politicians who all look the same, think the same and have no idea what it’s like in the real world.”
Joan Plimmer - Green Party
Joan Plimmer is standing for the Green Party.
She has lived in Disley for 21 years, and has three teenage children. She works full time for a Stockport accountancy firm.
“I joined the Green Party because I believe strongly in social justice for all, protection for animals and the environment. I am standing for Parliament because I want everyone to have affordable homes, a living wage, sustainable travel and a free NHS; and to take action locally and globally to ensure survival of the planet and all who live upon it.
“Macclesfield council should be fully funded to provide the services we need, free social care for older people, support for disadvantaged groups and improved mental health services.
“New affordable private homes and council houses should be built on brownfield sites with any sold under ‘right to buy’ being replaced. Schools should be properly funded and facilities improved.
“To reduce car journeys, and therefore pollution, local bus services should be cheaper and timetables extended to cover late evenings and Sundays. Walking and cycling should be encouraged and made safer. Our trains should be renationalised.
“To raise funds the Green Party will close tax loopholes, tackle tax avoidance and evasion saving around £120 billion yearly. We want additional taxes on wealth, financial transactions, and the top rate of income tax to be 60pc. We won’t replace Trident, build roads or HS2, subsidise oil and gas or fracking.
“We won’t sign TTIP and lose our hard won rights.
“We won’t hunt foxes or kill badgers.
“Join us for a peaceful political revolution #VoteGreen2015.”
Tim Roca - Labour
Tim Roca is Labour’s Parliamentary Candidate.
“It’s time for a change in Macclesfield. Below I’ve outlined my key pledges and why they are important issues for Macclesfield.
“I support investment in our NHS by using a Mansion Tax to help fund extra doctors and more nurses; a guaranteed GP appointment within 48 hours and ensuring the maximum wait for cancer tests and results is one week.
“Low pay is a massive issue. The number of people working in zero-hours contract jobs has increased significantly and 3,500 working families in Macclesfield have seen their tax credits cut. I will tackle low pay by increasing the minimum wage to £8 and end exploitative zero hours contracts.
“As someone who rents myself and doesn’t see any prospect of owning a home, I know we need to build more affordable houses. Labour created the greenbelt and it is important that we focus on regenerating our communities by adopting a ‘brownfield first’ policy. A Labour government will legislate for three-year tenancies and an end to excessive rent increases.
“Macclesfield town centre reflects the challenges that small businesses face. I support a cut to small business rates rather than a reduction in tax on large corporations. I will work with the new Macclesfield Town Council to focus on regenerating the town in the way that local people and businesses want.
“Finally I will support families by increasing free childcare for working parents of three and four year olds from 15 to 25 hours and support young people by reducing tuition fees to £6,000 per year.”
David Rutley - Conservative
David Rutley is the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate
“Since being elected in 2010, I have taken positive action for local residents and campaigned hard for Macclesfield and local communities. Boosting the local economy and creating more jobs are vital priorities. Good progress is being made, with unemployment falling by over 40 per cent in Macclesfield in the last year.
“I am working closely with AstraZeneca to ensure that there continues to be a positive future at its Macclesfield site. As a member of the successful Alderley Park Taskforce, I helped bring over 300 jobs to the site and secure £20m life science funding.
“Regenerating Macclesfield town centre is another clear priority. I helped establish the Make It Macclesfield Forum and actively work to revitalise the town centre. I continue to support small businesses and promote apprenticeships to help more young people develop their skills.
“I am strongly committed to keeping vital health services at Macclesfield Hospital. With our fast-ageing population, it’s important that local health and social services are better joined up to provide the care that residents need.
“I helped secure £16.4 million Growth Deal funding for the Poynton Relief Road and will work to get this key project completed. I am also committed to protecting our Green Belt and rolling out superfast broadband to our villages.
“It’s a real honour to have worked hard as Macclesfield’s MP for the last five years for local communities and residents. I am now seeking your support to go on representing Macclesfield and take forward this important work in the next Parliament.”
