In Eltham, Labour's Clive Efford holds the smallest majority in south east London and north Kent. Those vying for the seat put forward their cases to become the constituency's next MP.
CLIVE EFFORD (LABOUR)
Age? 56
Where do you live? Eltham.
Where are you from originally? I grew up in Walworth and Bermondsey.
Why do you want to represent this constituency? I have lived in Eltham for over 35 years now and this is where my wife and I chose to settle and bring up our family - long before the chance for me standing for Parliament came about. It is very special to be elected to represent the area we live in and where our children went to school.
What local policy are you most passionate about? One of my major concerns is the future of our health service, but I am also very concerned about transport issues. Our NHS will not survive another five years of the Tories cuts and privatisation. Transport is really important because most people will travel out of the local area to go to work. This is why I have campaigned for 12-car carriages on our rail services, improved bus services and the DLR extension to Eltham.
Describe yourself in 3 words: Friendly, compassionate and determined.
Who is your biggest hero? Nye Bevan, who created the NHS, which transformed the quality of life for countless millions of working people. He also built thousands of council homes including many here in Eltham.
What is your proudest moment? All to do with my family and too personal to share. In politics it would be when I was first selected to stand for parliament in Eltham by the Labour Party.
SPENCER DRURY (CONSERVATIVE)
Age? I am 45 years old
Where do you live? I live in Eltham.
Where are you from originally? I was born in Woolwich and raised in Lee.
Why do you want to represent this constituency? I want to represent the area I have lived and worked in for most of my life and where I am bringing up my family. I want to continue defending local health services; campaigning for a grammar school; bringing the DLR to Eltham and making Labour update and clean our war memorials. With just over 1,500 votes between Labour and Conservative, Eltham needs a strong voice in Parliament - not a Miliband loyalist.
What local policy are you most passionate about? I would make it a priority to stop Greenwich Council tenants having to live in damp conditions. This scandal, where even the council admits that thousands of homes are damp, affects people’s health and gives many children respiratory problems. Instead of a chummy relationship with the Labour Council we need a Conservative MP to hold them to account.
Describe yourself in 3 words: Teacher, father, south-east Londoner.
Who is your biggest hero? My uncle, who was born on Eltham’s estates and despite serious disabilities which left him wheelchair bound, went to a grammar school and became a veterinary surgeon and lecturer at the Royal Veterinary College.
What is your proudest moment? My involvement as the public face of the campaign to save Grabadoc this year was extremely rewarding. Labour has been silent over Grabadoc and I believe its reprieve will be temporary if our current MP is re-elected. I want to ensure Grabadoc remains on its present site with the current doctors - relieving A&E and providing an excellent out of hours GP service to local residents.
ALEX CUNLIFFE (LIB DEM) Did not reply
JAMES PARKER (GREEN) Did not reply
PETER WHITTLE (UKIP) Did not reply
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