Helen Flynn (Lib Dem): Helen believes getting the local economy going again is one of the main considerations for Skipton and Ripon.

“Our tax reforms – putting the threshold up to £10,000 – would put £700 back into an average earner’s pocket. That money would help bolster small local businesses and service providers,” she says.

Providing affordable housing is a vital issue for the area, and she says the Lib Dems would return the right to build to local councils so that these homes can be provided.

They will scrap university tuition fees over a five-year period and ensure that the minimum wage is paid to everyone regardless of age.

Claire Hazelgrove (Lab): Claire says the three main issues are economic security, how public services will be protected by Labour if re-elected, and support for current and future generations.

She says: “We are on the road to economic recovery. We’ll create 200,000 more jobs through the Future Jobs Fund, and offer a job or training place for young people who are out of work for six months.”

In addition, she pledges to push for an open ballot so that all parents can have their say about whether the current selective system is working.

The removal of stamp duty for first-time buyers on homes below £250,000 should help people being priced out of the place they call home, she adds.

Julian Smith (Con): Julian believes rural Britain has often been ignored under the Labour government, and pledges to ensure the area has a stronger voice, if elected.

“I will be a strong voice for small businesses that provide vital jobs and farms stifled by regulation and suffering from the recession. I will work hard to attract investment and support while encouraging the many great businesses here to create more jobs,” he says.

He also pledges to fight to ensure long-term care of the elderly takes into account the specific issues of the constituency’s rural situation, and ensure their concerns regarding pensions, savings and heating costs are represented strongly at Westminster.