WITH reference to the comments from Andy Burnham MP that Bolton voters are being badly hit by the "bedroom tax."

Like Andy Burnham MP, I want the performance of this government to be judged by the people of Bolton West. Unlike him, I want people to take into account the record of the 13 years of Labour government and whatever leadership Ed Miliband is providing.

Under David Cameron’s leadership, unemployment is down in Bolton West by more than 50%. Contrast that with the fact that every period of Labour government there has ever been resulted in higher unemployment and greater dependence on benefits. We are now seeing the electrification of railways whilst Labour is dreaming about their mis-guided busway.

Ed Miliband promised to freeze and maintain energy prices at their most expensive but the Conservatives scrapped Labour’s fuel duty escalator and we are now seeing household and business energy prices falling.

Eric Pickles MP accepted my invitation to visit Atherton, receive a 2,000 strong petition on having a town council and also to hear the case of the ASPECT campaign to protect our green belt. It’s a pity that, when local people campaign for better democracy and to protect our green spaces, a gang of socialists try to hijack it for their own agenda.

Chris Green

Prospective Conservative candidate for Bolton West