1. Do you support plans to build 12,000 homes across Tendring?

 No, but I do support Tendring’s plans to allocate the space for 12,000 potential new homes within its Local Plan.

If a developer wants to build new homes, they can only build the homes in land designated as residential. If a council has designated a large amount of land, as Tendring proposes to do, they have more scope to refuse a sub-optimal application.

2. What can be done to tackle the rise in crime and protect our local police?

I believe the local police force is woefully underfunded. I will push for an increase in funds for police and crime prevention, specifically for internet-based crime such as fraud, as well as crimes involving images of child abuse. Police officers on the streets present a perception of safety, which translates into less crime. I do not support the current proposals to slash police funding.

3. How would you help to bring wind farm opportunities to Harwich?

The Liberal Democrats are the only major party that puts tackling climate change at our heart. In government, our Environment Minister, Ed Davey, has worked to make sure the environment stays at the top of the agenda.

We have doubled the electricity generated from offshore wind and created the world’s first Green Investment Bank.

The Liberal Democrats will never abandon our commitment to the environment.

4. How does your party plan to cut unemployment in the constituency?

In government, we have helped to create over one million new jobs and 1.8 million apprenticeships.

I will seek to unlock the potential of the area by pressing for improvements to transport links in the area including the A120, the key road between Harwich and Stansted Airport, and the rail network for better access to and from London and the rest of the South East.

5. What can be done to tackle the high levels of deprivation in parts of Harwich and the surrounding area?

It is my hope that by improving transport links and unlocking the potential of the area, more jobs and apprenticeships will be created in the area.

I also believe we must look to our neighbours in Europe. As a coastal region, we are uniquely placed to work with countries, and companies, within the EU. We must make the most of this geographical advantage.

6. What do you suggest to alleviate hazardous parking in the villages around Manningtree Railway Station and congestion at the underpass?

Parking is always a problem near railway stations, especially Manningtree with its excellent links to London.

Residential parking or yellow lines, combined with regular enforcement, is the usual method to deal with parking problems. It must be done in conjunction with local residents. The solution must be best for all in the community and it is, therefore, important to include the community in these decisions.

7. What can be done to boost tourism in the constituency?

Harwich and North Essex is a wonderfully rich and diverse place and we should be shouting it from the rooftops. Sometimes we can be a bit shy to say how great the area is.

8. What are your favourite book, film and song?

 Book: Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell. Film: True Romance by Tony Scott, Song: Money for Nothing by Dire Straits  

9. Would your choice of tipple be a glass of champagne or a pint of beer?

A pint of beer.

10. What’s your favourite tourist destination in the constituency?

It’s a close call between oysters in West Mersea and a glass of wine in Dedham Vale Vineyard.