Rochford & Southend East news from the Echo

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		James Duddridge - Conservative Born in Bristol, James was educated up in Yorkshire before coming down to Essex to study Government at the University of Essex. After leaving university, he forged a retail and banking career with Barclays until 2005, with the bank posting him to Africa in the mid nineties, before he was seconded to Botswana in 2001. Entering national politics, he stood as the Conservative candidate in Rother Valley, finishing second but some 14,000 votes behind Labour. He was chosen by the Tories as their candidate for Southend East and Rochford after Sir Teddy Taylor retired, and he has retained the seat since.
		Simon Cross - Green I am Simon Ashley Cross (Green Party candidate for Rochford and Southend East) I am standing because I wish to make a difference from business as usual politics. The main policies of the Green Party revolve around 5 basic human needs (Shelter, food, warmth, health and education) to this end I support:- The building of affordable, new and warm homes (Policy is to build 500,000 nationally) An end to the austerity measures proposed by all other parties and ensuring that corporations pay their full and fair share. Building a future energy policy based on renewables which will cut the cost of energy and will not rely on fracking. No privatisation of the NHS and spending savings from non renewal of Trident on revitalising and funding the NHS. An end to tuition fees and ensuring a high quality education for every young person.
		Ian Gilbert - Labour There is a lot at stake in this election. We need an economy that works for everyone, not just a privileged few. We need to safeguard our NHS, which cannot survive another five years of Tory government. We need to oppose further reductions in police numbers. I’m pleased to have been part of the progress that Labour has made here, getting good councillors elected in Southend and Rochford, and finally removing the Conservatives from power in Southend Council. I believe we are making positive changes, but our area needs a stronger voice in parliament as well, to speak up for local people, businesses and services. All politicians have got a lot of work to do to rebuild trust in politics. That is why I will not take a second if elected, and will not claim for a second home or accommodation in London. At a time of stretched finances, it’s up to MPs to set an example.
		Floyd Waterworth - UKIP UKIP will take the low paid out of tax entirely. We want to help people who help themselves, those who strive; and we want to help those such as the disabled who, through no fault of their own, cannot help themselves. We recognise the benefits of restricted immigration, but would use the Australian-style points system. We want to encourage businesses, with a review of EU legislation - 3,600 new laws since 2010. Getting out of the EU will save us £55 million a day. The NHS is a priority, which must be free at the point of delivery. We would scrap the target of 50 per cent of students going to university and scrap tuition fees for many science, medicine, technology and engineering students. Apprenticeships would replace GCSE for people with practical skills. UKIP will honour the Military Covenant - fully resourcing our military assets and people.
		Peter Gwizdala - Liberal Democrats