We asked the Beckenham General Election candidates why they should be the area's next MP. An impressive two of them got back to us. This is what they said.
ANUJA PRASHAR (LIB DEM)
Age? 53
Where do you live? Beckenham
Where are you from originally? Kenyan born of Indian heritage
Why do you want to represent this constituency? Beckenham is my home and I have lived my whole adult life here and truly enjoyed bringing up my daughters in Beckenham. I want to ensure that Beckenham remains a successful and prosperous community, by guarding against the dangers from the onslaught of an expanding London, but to also optimise on the opportunity this expansion provides.
What local policy are you most passionate about? I wish to ensure that local businesses are protected from unfair competition and displacement by corporations, in order to retain the community of Beckenham's Villages of Hayes, West Wickham, Keston and Beckenham as clean and green areas.
Describe yourself in 3 words: Dynamic, purposeful and compassionate.
Who is your biggest hero? All men and women who have lead with integrity and conviction.
What is your proudest moment? Climbing and reaching the peak of Mt Kilimanjaro at 5895 meters, named Uhuru (translated from Swahili means 'freedom') at the age of 39, to raise funds for the VSO.
MARINA AHMAD (LABOUR)
Age? I am 48
Where do you live? I live in Coney Hall and have lived in the area for 15 years.
Where are you from originally? I grew up in Crawley in West Sussex.
Why do you want to represent this constituency? I want to represent Beckenham constituency as it is my home. Beckenham is changing with a real mix of people. I want to make sure that people here get the best support they can. There are a lot of people in real difficulty in Beckenham and they deserve a voice.
What local policy are you most passionate about? I am very passionate about health and education. I am concerned that the problems around the PRUH and Beckenham Beacon have not been resolved and I want a positive outcome for patients. The whole issue of school places must be resolved as this will have a serious impact on our population if it is not. I am deeply concerned that we no longer have a local education authority and the pressure this puts on school staff.
Describe yourself in 3 words: Passionate, committed, energetic.
Who is your biggest hero? Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Ghandi.
What is your proudest moment? As a mum, I have proudest 'moments'. They are about watching our girls turn into strong, independent, caring people and knowing that I have been part of that.
ROB BRYANT (UKIP) Did not answer
RUTH FABRICANT (GREEN) Did not answer
BOB STEWART (CONSERVATIVE) Did not answer
For your guide to the General Election in Bromley, click here.
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