David Hall-Matthews (Lib Dem): “Regeneration – I’d push for tax breaks for refurbishment of empty homes, offices and shops; invest in new skills and new jobs; and personally phone Westfield the day after being elected to demand action on the embarrassment of their derelict site.

“Sort out our schools – too many are overcrowded and underfunded. I would call for an extra £2,500 for every child on free school meals – to go to whichever primary school they choose. Headteachers could then decide how best to spend it – for example on new teachers, extra support or improvements to buildings.

“Help local people to cope with the recession. I’d like to see no income tax at all charged on the first £10,000 they earn. That would mean hundreds of people in Bradford West paying no income tax at all – and savings of an average of £700 per year for the rest of us.”

Zahid Iqbal (Con): “Increasing the amount of inward investment and employment opportunities into Bradford, which would help to reduce the levels of inner city poverty.

“The regeneration of Bradford city centre and improved services in our more rural areas.

“Improving education and the attainment levels of children in Bradford West, creating more equal opportunities for our young population.

“If I was successfully elected to serve as the MP for Bradford West I would be a voice in Westminster, to reflect the views, the ambitions and the aspirations of those whom I would serve; raising aspirations, bringing inward investment to the area and working alongside the Council to make Bradford a thriving retail and economic centre that people can be proud of.

“Bradford West and its diverse community requires the very best of their MP, and I hope to fulfil that role.”

Marsha Singh (Lab): “I pride myself first and foremost on being a good constituency MP and have helped thousands of people.

“The Labour Government has poured millions of pounds into Bradford. We can see new schools and health centres across the whole of Bradford West.

“It must be remembered that Bradford Council has been ruled by the Conservative Party, abetted by the Liberal Democrats, for the last ten years a period characterised by mismanagement. One glaring example of this is the hole in the heart of the city – an issue I raised with the Prime Minister. My top three priorities for Bradford are regeneration, employment and the environment. However, education and health are equally as important.

“Only a Labour Government will give priority to these issues and disadvantaged cities like Bradford. If re-elected, I will continue to fight for extra resources for Bradford, so that it can be a great city again.”