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

GARETH JOHNSON (CONSERVATIVE)

Age? 45

Where do you live? I live in the Dartford constituency, in Hartley.

Where are you from originally? I grew up in this area and attended Dartford Grammar School.

Why do you want to represent this constituency? I want to be an advocate for Dartford and give back to the area that has given me a lot. 

What local policy are you most passionate about? Getting Dartford working. Every local service depends on this. Unemployment has fallen by more than half since I was elected five years ago, but there is still work to be done. 

Describe yourself in 3 words: Dad, husband, Dartfordian.

Who is your biggest hero? I’ve never hero worshipped, they inevitably disappoint.

What is your proudest moment? The birth of my children, it is essential to keep politics in perspective! 

SIMON THOMSON (LABOUR)

Age? 44

Where do you live? Greenhithe

Where are you from originally? Born in Strood, grew up in Medway.

Why do you want to represent this constituency? Because Dartford could be a great town again, and could be attracting new businesses but needs a new vision and a MP who will stand up for Dartford and drive things forwards.

What local policy are you most passionate about? Renewing Dartford town centre by supporting independent shops, community facilities and projects that celebrate our town's cultural heritage.

Describe yourself in 3 words: Determined, committed and caring.

Who is your biggest hero? My dad 

What is your proudest moment? Birth of my two daughters.

ELIZABETH JONES (UKIP)

Age? From 18 to infinity.

Where do you live? Plant Earth (sic)

Where are you from originally? UK

Why do you want to represent this constituency? Lived, worked and played in Dartford as a family solicitor and had a season ticket to Dartford County Court so it’s a familiar patch. ’Tis also the political birthplace of our latter day Boudicca Margaret Thatcher.

What local policy are you most passionate about? Scrapping the Dartford Crossing inflicted upon us by Labour’s Transport Act 2000 despite assurances of cancellation once the financing was paid. Gareth Johnson’s 2010 election promise to end the charge fizzled out like a damp squib.

Describe yourself in 3 words: Vivacious, voluptuous and very determined.

Who is your biggest hero? Boudicca Queen of the Iceni for taking back control of Colchester, St Albans and London from Roman rule for she is truly a symbol of our desire for freedom.

What is your proudest moment? Defeating a TFL Congestion Charge penalty.

STEVE UNCLES (ENGLISH DEMOCRATS)

Age? 51

Where do you live? Dartford (for 26 years).

Where are you from originally? Bexley (22 years).

Why do you want to represent this constituency? I have lived in Dartford since 1990, I was born in Blackheath, and brought up in Bexley, I have now lived in Dartford for over half my life and brought up two children in Dartford with my wife Louise, I therefore consider myself to be a Dartfordian, Kentishman and most importantly an Englishman.

What local policy are you most passionate about? Reparing the 'bomb damage' in Dartford Town centre from the Second World War to make my town into a pleasant market town once again.

Describe yourself in 3 words? Determined, reliable, lateral-thinker

Who is your biggest hero? Johnny Wilkinson - England rugby player

What is your proudest moment? In 2013 I tackled an armed robber as he ran away from Barclays Bank - I received two bravery awards from the Metropolitan Police and the Association of Chief Police Officers in 2014 and 2015 - he had an AK47 sub machine gun - most mainstream politicians delegate putting their life on the line to others!

SIMON BEARD (LIB DEM) Did not reply

ANDY BLANCHFORD (GREEN) Did not reply

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