Nader Fekri (Lib Dem): “Keighley constituency is one of the greatest in Yorkshire, in business, in manufacturing, and in its heritage. However, there are still many issues to tackle.

“We’ve had 65 years of Tweedle-red and Tweedle-blue politics: the same two parties taking turns and making the same mistakes. They’ve taught people to expect little from politics.

“But it’s time for something different. It’s time for something better.

“It makes me angry that after a lifetime of red-blue governments, here in Keighley a child’s chances in life are still more determined by their parents’ bank balance than by their own hopes and dreams.

“It makes me angry that the banks we rescued have been allowed to ride roughshod over our economy, and are still handing out bonuses by the bucketload. Our politics is still the plaything of wealthy Tory donors and corrupt MPs.

“So don’t just hope for the best, vote for the best, vote Lib Dem.”

Kris Hopkins (Con): “Labour’s mismanagement of the economy and the complete lack of confidence in Gordon Brown’s ability to control our borders and manage immigration are the two issues raised most often on the doorstep.

“People are concerned about their jobs and, in particular, the alarming number of young people who are unemployed following the longest and deepest recession in living memory and the near-bankrupt British economy which is now approaching £1.3 trillion in debt.

“In addition to the desire for a better NHS, the other key issue in Keighley and Ilkley is the need for every child, from whatever background they come, to receive the best possible education to improve their chances of success in adult life.

“The Conservatives have the right ideas to deliver the change we urgently need in each of these areas and I hope to play my part in implementing them into law as the new MP.”

Jane Thomas (Lab): “Like many places Keighley is facing difficult challenges, in part due to the recent global economic crisis.

“The three real immediate challenges we face are jobs and inward investment; joined-up thinking with planning and affordability of housing.

“Jobs and employment opportunities are the key. If there are jobs for our young people it gives them the aspirations and ability to fully participate in the community.

“I would look at opportunities for inward investment, building on the opportunities with a new college, the new academy and work with local business to see what we can do together. Good local schools in the heart of the community are vital and we need to raise aspirations.

“Planning needs to be more joined-up. We need to tackle the problems of congestion in Keighley town centre and give careful thought about sustainable development for the future.

“Affordable housing linked to good public transport routes is essential.”