The race to be Ilford North’s MP is one of the closest in London.

With just 589 votes between Labour incumbent Wes Streeting and his Conservative predecessor Lee Scott in 2015, every vote is going to count.

But why should you vote for them, Liberal Democrat Richard Clare, or independent Doris Osen? We asked them to tell us in 140 words.

Richard Clare, Liberal Democrats

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

“This election is about competing visions for our country. Labour and the Conservatives want a Hard Brexit that wasn't on last year's ballot and will mean fewer jobs and less money for schools and the NHS. I think it needs to be the people, not the politicians, which have the final say on Brexit and I am the only candidate that will give you a vote on the single market and freedom of movement.

“If I'm elected as your MP, I'll put £6 billion into the NHS and social care, keep the triple lock on pensions and treat mental health seriously.

“In a world of Donald Trump, racism, homophobic attacks and terror on our streets, say no. Stand up for the values that made Britain great in the first place. Vote for a Britain that's open, tolerant and united.”

Lee Scott, Conservative

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

“On June 8, Ilford North has a choice. You can choose Theresa May to negotiate Brexit and secure our country’s future; or a chaotic Jeremy Corbyn who cannot and will not get the right deal for Britain.

“We need a PM who will stand up to terrorism, not stand next to terrorists. We cannot risk having Diane Abbott and Jeremy Corbyn in charge of national security. My Labour opponent knows this. He has said Corbyn will not make a good PM. Listen to him. If you don’t want Jeremy Corbyn to be Prime Minister, don't vote for his candidate in Ilford North.

“Ilford North needs an MP and a PM who will keep our country safe and deliver a growing economy to fund local services. Every vote for me is a vote for a strong local voice in a strong government. Vote Lee Scott on 8 June.”

Doris Osen, independent candidate

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

“Coming from the East End of London I've lived in Ilford North for 61 years.  With poor parents, I had a good education, qualified as a teacher, taught in Redbridge and have a Law degree.

“In  this constituency and this country,  families  are  living  in  poverty, schools are struggling to cope with reduced funding, graduates  have  huge  debts  they  will  never  clear,  not enough social homes have been built, rents are too high, properties too expensive.  Our NHS is badly organised, our A&E still under threat, numbers of police, firemen and defence forces have been cut.”

“If elected, I will do my utmost to provide a better life for future generations.

“Don't vote for a party or a candidate you don't really like or trust.

“If you agree with me, trust me and vote for me.”

Wes Streeting, Labour

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

“The Conservatives are taking the general election result for granted, but on Thursday voters in Ilford North face a real choice between a Labour MP who will fight their corner or a Conservative ‘yes man’ who will simply be there to make up the numbers.

“Re-elected, I will:

  • Press for the refurbishment of Whipps Cross Hospital and fight to save the A&E at King George Hospital
  • Oppose the Conservative school budget cuts to local primary schools – which total £3.6 million
  • Press for more community police on our streets to tackle burglary, drug dealing and anti-social behaviour
  • Fight to protect the triple lock on pensions and the Winter Fuel Allowance and oppose the Tory ‘dementia tax’

“You’re my boss, I love working for you and I hope you’ll back me to carry on standing up for Ilford North.”