Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

BRADFORD West is shaping up to once again be the most intriguing battle of all five constituencies across the district. 

Labour candidate Naz Shah swept to victory two years ago, beating the controversial Respect MP George Galloway by more than 11,000 votes.

The talk is that it may be a closer contest this time around, with the bookies suggesting a two-way tussle between Ms Shah and the independent candidate Salma Yaqoob, herself a former Respect leader.

Labour figures two years ago put Ms Shah’s victory down to widespread support across the breadth of the constituency, but Ms Yaqoob’s campaign has been strengthened by the withdrawal of two other independent candidates – Muhammad Hijazi and a former Lord Mayor of Bradford, Khadim Hussain – who stepped aside from the race and have urged their followers to back the slight outsider.

According to the current odds from William Hill, Ms Shah is favourite at 1/3, with Ms Yaqoob at 2/1.

The pair have already been involved in a number of tussles in the run-up to next week, including the debate organised by the Muslim Women’s Council at which Ms Shah walked out prior to the event, stating it was a “hustings in all but name” and undemocratic as all the candidates for the seat had not been invited.

Ms Shah has also been accused of “petty political games” after the Labour party complained over Ms Yaqoob using a campaign leaflet with the slogan “a vote from Salma is a vote for Corbyn”.

Despite allegations from the party this was “demonstrably false”, Ms Yaqoob said she stuck by the statement as a “political point”, arguing that it reflected her campaigning alongside the Labour leader on a range of issues.

Third favourite with the bookies is the Conservative candidate George Grant, who was also on the ballot in 2015 and is currently rated at 16/1.
He has received backing from party heavyweights this week, with former cabinet minister Michael Gove labelling him an “outstanding candidate” for the seat.

The Conservatives believe they have an “opportunity like never before” to make inroads in Bradford West this time around, so time will tell if their rallying call to dismiss “divisive” politics and “make Bradford great again” will have any effect.

Also on the ballot at 100/1 is current Liberal Democrat councillor Alun Griffiths, who is banking on his record of service on Council committees to secure and increase the party’s votes.

UKIP candidate Derrick Hodgson has pledged to represent the 49.1 per cent of constituents who voted leave in last year’s EU referendum, and has vowed to improve employment opportunities in an area he says has been forgotten by Labour.

Last on the ballot, at 200/1, is Green party candidate Celia Hickson, who is hoping her promises to tackle poverty and deprivation in areas across the constituency will strike a chord with voters.

Out on the streets, voters say the biggest issues for them are jobs, the economy, and what will happen to the country post-Brexit. Education also remains a massive issue, with all parties and candidates in agreement that more needs to be done in a bid to raise standards. 

There is also the issue of transport infrastructure, with political leaders at Council level agreeing that Bradford’s potential inclusion on any future HS3 high-speed rail could be a game-changer for the city and district.

The future of the NHS is also a huge issue, highlighted in the constituency by the fact that hospital chiefs and staff at Bradford Royal Infirmary are dealing with increasing patient numbers and unprecedented demand.

Looking at the national picture, voters are being told their choice is between the “strong and stable” government of Theresa May, or Jeremy Corbyn’s policies “for the many not the few”.

Indeed, many observers see the majority of seats across the district as being a straight fight between Labour and the Tories, but Bradford West could be one where an independent candidate or another party springs a surprise.

As ever, it certainly won’t be dull to watch.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS: Bradford West candidate statements

Word on the street

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

Aziz Ismail (top left), 30, of Allerton, said: "I haven't actually voted before so this will be the first time. I am going to vote Labour soleley because of the lies the Conservatives have told. They have misled a lot of people."

Bob Pulford (top middle), 66, of Thornton, said: "I'm involved in the elections in Calderdale on the day, so I posted my vote this morning. I think the economy is a massive issue, tied up with Brexit. No-one knows what is going ot happen over the next three years, so it's a big unknown."

Faye Hardy (top right), 39, of Allerton, said: "I haven't decided which way I'm going to vote yet. It might be something I decide on the morning. My biggest issues are the 30 hours of free childcare and the social care payments when you get older."

Sylvia Holmes (bottom left), 75, of Allerton, said: "I always vote, but I've never even told my family which way. I voted against ever going into the European Union, so I want Brexit to happen. I want more control back for this country."

Jordan Lees (bottom middle), 18, of Allerton, said: "I'm not even sure if I'm going to vote next week yet. I want to get into professional sport and sports coaching, so a big issue for me would be which party could offer the best job prospects for young people."

Dolores Pickles (bottom right), 82, of Allterton, said: "I always vote Conservative and I always will. It would be a disaster for the country if the Labour leader was to get in. I'm confident in Theresa May as Prime Minister."

MORE ELECTION NEWS FROM BRADFORD WEST