We gave each candidate in the Shipley constituency an equal amount of space to set out their election message. Here is what they wrote. Photographs were also provided by the candidates.

Steve Clapcote (Labour)

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

I was born into a working class family in Dorset and later worked as a stockman on a farm before becoming the first member of my family to go to university.

In 2008, I moved to West Yorkshire to work as a medical scientist at Leeds University, where I teach and lead research on neurological diseases in children, in partnership with the NHS.

I consider the 2017 election in Shipley Constituency to be a ‘two-horse race’ between Labour and the Conservatives.

Whether fighting to protect local services or arguing for a Brexit deal that’s good for jobs and the environment, I can be counted on to stand up for Shipley’s best interests.

Labour has a proud record when it comes to standing up for the many, not the few, having introduced:

  • 2,200 Sure Start children’s centres
  • Child Tax Credits
  • Free nursery places
  • The Child Poverty Act
  • Two weeks’ paternity leave

Labour’s policies for this election include:

  • Building one million new, affordable houses and council homes
  • Curbing energy bill rises for households
  • Ending exploitative zero-hour contracts
  • Ending privatisation of the NHS
  • Giving private renters more rights.

Philip Davies (Conservative)

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

I live in Shipley, and have represented the Shipley constituency since 2005.

I worked at Asda for 12 years before being elected.

Over the past 12 years I have worked hard to represent the Shipley constituency. I have campaigned on local issues and have been an active, strong and independent voice for the people of Shipley.

Last year this country voted to leave the European Union, and whichever side of the campaign you were on, it is now vital that we get the best deal in negotiating our exit from the EU.

Ultimately, we must decide who we want to lead these negotiations on our behalf – Theresa May or Jeremy Corbyn – and ensure we become an independent nation once more, free to make our own laws, control our borders and immigration, and free to spend our own money on what we choose.

If re-elected as the MP for Shipley on 8th June I will continue to keep my promise to you – to remain an active and local MP and to always stay on the backbenches of Parliament, where I am free to speak independently and stand up for the interests of the people of the Shipley Constituency.

Caroline Jones (Liberal Democrat)

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

I am Yorkshire born and bred, and have lived locally for over 30 years.

Married with three children and three grandchildren, I am a School Business Manager, which means I deal with many people at many levels, from Ofsted and the DfE to a four-year-old facing their first day at school.

I feel it is a huge privilege to be involved with children and their education and take enormous satisfaction from believing I can make a difference. The cuts in school funding are a matter of serious concern and I fear for the impact they will have.

I am concerned about the state of the NHS and particularly about those suffering with mental ill health and the lack of provision and long waiting times for referrals.

Having had to find care for a family member with Alzheimer’s, I worry for those that do not have someone to ‘fight their corner’.

Joined-up thinking and provision between the health and social services is long overdue and the Liberal Democrats will put 1p on income tax for health and social care.

I believe passionately in the value of the local community and have served as a parish councillor for 14 years.

Sophie Walker (Women's Equality Party)

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

I’m standing in Shipley because you deserve better.

Shipley is caught between Conservative cuts and an ineffective Labour opposition. I am your only chance for change.

I will fight the Conservative cuts and invest in people. I will prioritise the social investment that holds our society and economy together.

I will give every family free childcare from the end of parental leave until school, so that they can make real choices about how to balance work and family life.

I will invest in social care, so that older people can live independently and with dignity.

I will support our schools so that every young person can thrive and businesses can access the best talent.

I will protect our beautiful countryside and improve the air we breathe.

We are making history in Shipley with one of the first progressive alliances in the UK. The Green Party has endorsed my candidacy and like-minded voters are coming together to vote for change. Join us to make your vote matter.

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