Meet the candidates: These are the people battling for your vote in Chelmsford

In the videos and manifestos below the candidates tell us why they should be elected as MP on May 7 and what they stand for.

The candidates are:

• Henry Arthur Boyle The Liberal Party
• Simon Burns Conservative Party
• Mark Gough UK Independence Party (UKIP)
• Stephen Robinson Liberal Democrats
• Angela Thomson Green Party
• Chris Vince Labour Party

Simon Burns - Conservative Party

Over the last five years, both as a Minister and a Backbencher, Simon has been a strong voice for Chelmsford at Westminster.

With his experience he has worked hard for his constituents seeking to solve their problems whether it be with the taxman, benefits or a multitude of other issues. He has campaigned hard for improvements to our community, successfully lobbying for the widening of the A12 to three lanes, supporting a new station at Beaulieu Park and will continue to press for an improved rail service and new trains with the new franchise.

If re-elected as Chelmsford’s MP, he will continue to work assiduously for the people of Chelmsford, supporting an In/Out Referendum on Europe in 2017, lower taxes and a strong and buoyant economy. As someone who actually lives in the constituency he has a proven track record on getting things done for Chelmsford and his constituents.

Chris Vince - Labour Party

I’ve spent nearly two years talking to hundreds of you and from these conversations here are my priorities for you if elected as your MP in May.

Future for Youth begins with a Vote 

Help young people make the most of their potential with apprenticeships, technical degrees and give 16/17 year olds the right to vote. 

Stop NHS privatisation 

Stop the Tory/Lib Dem creeping privatisation of NHS and end A&E crisis at Broomfield Hospital. 

Fairer Fares 

Cap rail fare increases from Chelmsford and allow public sector operators to run our railways and bus companies. 

Right homes for Chelmsford 

Build more Affordable Homes, give Chelmsford first-time buyers priority. 

Incentives for small business 

Support small businesses in Chelmsford by cutting business rates, helping local businesses to grow and create jobs. 

I was born here and I want to do everything I can to make life for you the people of Chelmsford better.

Angela Thomson - Green Party

The forthcoming election could be the most interesting and different for many years but that depends on whether voters decide to vote as they usually do in general elections in this country for the least worse option or if they decide to vote for policies instead.

Membership of the Green Party of England and Wales is now over 57,000 more than every other party except Labour and Conservative.

All our policies are on our website www.greenparty.org.uk and our general election manifesto will be on there shortly.

Below is a flavour of them:-

“Imagine a planet protected from the threat of climate change now and for the generations to come. … By investing in renewable energy and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, we will build a stable and sustainable society that protects our planet from climate change.”

Mark Gough - UK Independence Party (UKIP)

I have 8 years District Councillor experience, and believe the Conservative County Council is failing Residents with it's midnight streetlight turn off, and pathetic record of repairing our roads, streets and pavements.

The Conservative MP supports the ridiculous International Aid budget (costing £23M a day), putting it into law at 0.7% of GDP, whilst failing to do 2% for Defence. He backs the bedroom tax and pretends they'll be offering an EU referendum.

I have lived in Essex my whole life - so I'm a true local lad who wants to give back to his community.

I'll be a proper listening MP who knows his job is to serve his constituents - not tell them what they are getting! In short Public service, not self service!

Here in Chelmsford we are the real challenger having won the European Elections with 39% of the vote. If you want change vote UKIP!

Stephen Robinson - Liberal Democrats

Stephen Robinson wants to be the MP for Chelmsford in order to stand up for local residents at Westminster. He has a track record as a hard-working, local campaigner and Councillor.

For a stronger economy in Chelmsford we need more high value jobs, so that people have the option of not travelling to London every day.

For a fairer society, we need tax cuts for lower earners, not the council tax RISES from Chelmsford Conservatives three years in a row.

Stephen helped ensure opportunity for everyone by doubling the number of 3 and 4 year olds in quality nursery education as a councillor helping to run Essex County Council 1993-2000.

In the 2010 General Election Stephen achieved one of the best Lib Dem results in a key seat against the Conservatives, increasing the Lib Dem share of the vote in Chelmsford substantially.