8 things you need to know about your General Election candidates: Orpington

JO JOHNSON (CONSERVATIVE)

Age? I'm not sure we should be influenced by people's age... but I'm 43.

Where do you live? I divide my time between Westminster and Orpington and, like John Horam, who preceded me as MP, I live centrally within easy reach of both.

Where are you from originally? My father's side of the family has its roots in Bromley, going back to the 1930s:  my grandparents were married here in 1936 and my father, Stanley, learnt to swim in Beckenham Baths!

Why do you want to represent this constituency? I want to ensure that hardworking people in Orpington can benefit from a strong Conservative government in Westminster that will put their interests first: a Conservative government will keep interest rates and taxes low by dealing with our debts, continue to drive up standards in schools, protect funding for the NHS and ensure that older residents can enjoy dignity and security in retirement.

What local policy are you most passionate about? Protecting Orpington Hospital and ensuring residents have access to high quality healthcare when they need it - I am delighted we've saved Orpington Hospital from closure and that it is now a thriving centre of excellence again. King's has turned Orpington Hospital into one of the largest orthopaedics centres in London, with outstanding patient outcomes, a Friends and Family score of 100 per cent and a five star rating on NHS choices. 

Describe yourself in 3 words: Passionate about Orpington.

Who is your biggest hero? Torn between our greatest Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, and our greatest scientist, Downe's own Charles Darwin.

What is your proudest moment? Since being elected MP for Orpington five years ago, my proudest moments have been helping the campaign to save Orpington Hospital from closure in 2012/3 and persuading the Chancellor George Osborne in his most recent budget to provide £1m from the Libor fines on banks so we can preserve the RAF Biggin Hill Memorial Chapel for future generations.

PETER BROOKS (LIB DEM)

Age? 42

Where do you live? Liddon Road, Bromley

Where are you from originally? Born in Doncaster

Why do you want to represent this constituency? To do my best for the people of Orpington and help the people of the UK live in a stronger economy and fairer, freer, society.

What local policy are you most passionate about? Improving the rail system for Orpington residents, especially looking to get weekend 24 hour trains.

Describe yourself in 3 words? Liberal, green, feminist.

Who is your biggest hero? Currently it is Anita Sarkeesian, for the work she is doing to call out sexism, misogyny and bullying online.

What is your proudest moment? Getting my PhD.

NIGEL DE GRUCHY (LABOUR)

Age? 72 - possibly the oldest first time candidate.

Where do you live? Green St. Green, Orpington

Where are you from originally? Jersey

Why do you want to represent this constituency? Because I have lived here for 37 years. I have very relevant experience having been a teacher for 13 years, a union official for 25 years, ending up as general secretary of the large teachers' union, NASUWT from 1990-2002. I was TUC president for 2002-03. I believe in fairness and doing something about it. I believe the present government is imposing the greatest burden on the most disadvantaged sections of society to pay the bill for the bankers who caused the financial crisis. I want to do my bit to reverse that.

What local policy are you most passionate about? The LB of Bromley abdicating the role of a democratic council in providing services to its residents and acting like a corporation in building up a large investment portfolio and becoming an agency for outsourcing and privatisation.

Describe yourself in 3 words: Experienced, concerned, jovial.

Who is your biggest hero? Nelson Mandela

What is your proudest moment? In 1993 forcing the Conservative government to institute a wholesale revision of the national curriculum and testing/assessment system in schools.

IDHAM RAMADI (UKIP)

Age? 36

Where do you live? West Dulwich, London

Where are you from originally? Brent, London

Why do you want to represent this constituency? Because the residents in Orpington are often ignored by the Tory-led council, and if they're not going to deal with their issues... I will.

What local policy are you most passionate about? Powers devolving from the bureaucratic and inefficient council down to local residents. Local power for local people. Let the people decide the future of Manorfields, not the council.

Describe yourself in 3 words? Resilient, tenacious, rigorous.

Who is your biggest hero? Martin Luther King 

What is your proudest moment? Completing a 5 mile run in 2013.

TAMARA GALLOWAY (GREEN)

Age? I’m 47.

Where do you live? I live in Green Street Green, Orpington.

Where are you from originally? I’m from Green Street Green, Orpington. I was born in what was then Farnborough Hospital, and is now the PRU.

Why do you want to represent this constituency? I want to represent Orpington constituency because I really care about it, and want to preserve and improve the quality of life we have here.

What local policy are you most passionate about? I’m most passionate about opposing the increase operating hours at Biggin Hill Airport, as I think the airport won’t be able to reduce noise as it claims. Being deprived of sleep is a human rights issue!

Describe yourself in 3 words: Hardworking, committed, caring.

Who is your biggest hero: My biggest hero is Caroline Lucas, MP for Brighton Pavilion, who works so hard for her constituency.

What is your proudest moment? My proudest moment was when I obtained my statistics degree at Southampton University.

For your guide to the General Election in Bromley, click here.