The economy

The economy, jobs and personal finances are some of the main issues that the candidates standing in Bolton West are hearing about on the doorstep, so why should they and their individual parties be the ones trusted to make life better for people in the key constituency?

The Conservatives are often heard to wax lyrical about their “long-term economic plan” and this is something Tory candidate Chris Green firmly stands by.

He said: “We are recovering from the great recession and banking crash that Labour claims no responsibility for.

“There are 2 million more jobs in the UK, 70,000 new businesses in the North West and unemployment has nearly halved in Bolton West. Whilst Labour has no plan, the Conservative plan has seen the growth of local apprenticeships, the raising of school standards and ensures welfare gets people into work.”

The economic plan has been implemented by a coalition government involving the Liberal Democrat party, candidate Andrew Martin said his party put “self-interest aside” by joining the coalition.

He added: “Our focus is on building opportunity for all, that’s why we’ve created over 12,000 new apprenticeships in Bolton since 2010 and it’s why we raised the point at which people pay tax to £10,600, something David Cameron called unaffordable before the election.”

Independent candidate Andy Smith thinks political priorities on the economy are all wrong, he said: “I feel that people are not convinced by promises of perpetual growth any more, but want live in a secure and stable society, rather than a fluctuating and unpredictable economy.

“Protection of the vulnerable and a sustainable environment should be at the heart of the political economy.”

The Trade Unionist and Socialist coalition party has a firm anti-austerity stance, candidate John Vickers backs this fully, adding: “We have been brainwashed into believing by all the established political parties that austerity and the “sacrifices” the 99% have to make is the only way to get us out of the mess that the greedy and reckless bankers created.

“TUSC say enough is enough, our economic policies are designed to stimulate recovery at all levels of society, both locally and nationally.

“We will direct that properly managed prosperity to regenerate desperately needed public services decimated by the Coalition government.”

Labour candidate Julie Hilling said her party will balance the books.

She added: “Every policy in our manifesto is paid for and does not require additional borrowing.

“To help working families we will abolish the bedroom tax, ban exploitative zero hours contracts, increase the minimum wage and incentivise employers to pay the living wage. We will cut tuition fees to £6000 and ensure that every young person who achieves the grades can get an apprenticeship.”

UKIP’S Bob Horsefield said: “UKIP used the word “SAVE” in their manifesto, the only party to do so.

“This means no cut in services and no increase in taxation for our pledges

“UKIP has become the crusader for the working class — its membership is made up from all walks of life which reflect the aspirations of everyday people.”