The Epping Forest Guardian is asking each of the six parliamentary candidates in Epping Forest why people should vote for them in the general election on May 7.

Here, Jon Whitehouse of the Liberal Democrats has given five reasons for people to vote for him.

1. I have a track record of listening to local people and working with local organisations. Residents elected me to serve them on Epping Forest district council and then Essex county council, where I take up local people’s concerns and fight to get things done. As someone who moved here when six weeks old I know and care for all parts of Epping Forest.

2. I will defend the Green Belt and the contribution it makes to the character of our district: towns and villages separated by forest and fields. The Liberal Democrats will prioritise good quality development on brownfield sites and help young people who need a home of their own with Rent to Own and Help to Rent schemes.

3. The Lib Dems will guarantee that the NHS budget rises every year, increasing by £8 billion by 2020. We will end the scandal of mental health being treated as secondary to physical health.

4. I became interested in politics and government partly because of my belief in the importance of education and the difference that a good start in life makes to children’s opportunities. The Liberal Democrats will ensure every child is taught by a qualified teacher and protect the schools budget from cradle to college.

5. Only the Liberal Democrats will build a stronger economy and a fairer society with opportunity for all. As part of the Coalition government the Lib Dems have cut income tax for low and medium paid workers and put Britain on the road to recovers. We will finish balancing the books so that our children are not saddled with debt.