Montgomeryshire candidates give their top priorities as MP

Ahead of the vote on July 4 the candidates gave their views on the local issues they wish to tackle.

Here are their responses in alphabetical order:

Green Party- Jeremy Brignell-Thorp

“A priority as a Green MP would be to contribute to parliamentary debate and exert pressure on the incoming government to introduce legislation to properly address all aspects and causes of climate change and loss of nature. These are humanitarian crises but also economic ones.

“Numerous international authorities, including the United Nations agree that the human and monetary cost of inaction is far higher than the cost of taking preventative action now, so if we want a properly funded NHS in 20 years’ time for our children, it is vital that we address carbon emissions now.”

Independent (Labelled as Conservative on the ballot)- Craig Williams

“Delivering on the huge and exciting plans we have for Montgomeryshire & Glyndwr. Over the last five years, we have made strong progress in obtaining record levels of investment across our area, securing over £40million of Levelling-Up Funding; a £110million Mid Wales Growth Deal; and a £20million UK Towns Fund for Newtown.

"All of this funding has been transformative for our local businesses, communities and high streets.

 “I am also committed to eliminating mobile and broadband ‘not-spots’.

"Our mobile and broadband connectivity is being significantly upgraded, with sixteen new mobile masts and projects to deliver gigabit capable broadband across the constituency.”

Labour- Steve Witherden

"My priority would be to bring back prosperity to our constituency. A stronger local economy means more NHS funding, provision for the most vulnerable, and better opportunities for young people.

"Our focus is to return to economic stability and work with businesses to drive inward investment. If elected, I will prioritise rejuvenating our high streets, reforming business rates, implementing a pro-town centre plan, and giving communities a right to buy empty shops.

"I will create a constituency cabinet, harnessing the knowledge of local colleges, employers, farmers, businesses, unions, and voluntary organisations to rethink our local economy for our collective benefit."

Liberal Democrat- Glyn Preston

“Fighting for investment. Lots of young people are leaving every year which places stress on our public services as fewer people are here to support them.

"The Welsh Labour Government is also cutting rural bus routes and services on the Cambrian Line.

"Our party is committing to money to support rural bus routes and to roll out better broadband, something which could help our businesses take advantage of changing working patterns.

"I’d also continue to stand up for our farmers against attempts in Cardiff Bay to place their livelihoods under threat and call for an end to sewage dumping.”

Plaid Cymru- Elwyn Vaughan

“Plaid Cymru is demanding an end to the conspiracy of complacency from Westminster parties towards Wales when it comes to funding.

"Our nation deserves a fair deal that doesn’t leave us shortchanged year on year, and which fully reflects the needs of our population.

"Only then can we put the NHS on a sustainable footing to deal with the challenges of the 21st century. Recruiting 500 more GPs will patients to be seen quicker and the strain on secondary care will be eased."

Reform Party – Oliver Lewis

“My main priority is education, particularly of our region's poorly-performing secondary schools. However, education is a devolved matter.

"I will, however, be watching Cardiff and the Senedd closely when it comes to tackling educational injustice.

"When it comes to what is more 'within the gift of my power', my main priority is infrastructure investment and particularly upgrading the main trunk road between Shrewsbury and Newtown (a substantial chunk of which is not devolved, being to the border with Wales).

"The A483/A458 are dangerous and unsafe roads, totally inappropriate for Mid-Wales' main connection to England. It should have been upgraded decades ago."