AHEAD of the General Election this Thursday, June 8, we asked parliamentary candidates for Walthamstow to tell us why they deserve your vote.

The Conservatives’ Molly Samuel-Leport, Lib Dems’ Ukonu Obasi, Labour’s Stella Creasy and the Greens’ Andrew Johns will be battling it out for the seat, which has been held by Ms Creasy since 2010.

Here’s what the candidates had to say.

Molly Samuel-Leport, Conservative 

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

“Molly Samuel MBE, a seven-times world karate champion, is a passionate campaigner on the issues of rough sleeping, homelessness and knife crime; all of which are serious issues in Walthamstow.

“She is a strong supporter of local shops and businesses and would work with TFL and the Department of Transport to improve Mini-Holland and the devastating effects of road closures on the local economy in Walthamstow.

“Molly is committed to listening to the genuine concerns of the Walthamstow community and would be a strong voice for the people of the constituency in Parliament.

“She is a strong and independent woman who would work constructively with Theresa May and her Government to improve the lives of ordinary working families in Walthamstow by protecting key public services, supporting the living wage and advocating fairer reforms to the tax system.”

Andrew Johns, Green 

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

“Walthamstow voters are fortunate to live in a safe Labour seat. This gives people the opportunity to vote Green without impacting the local or overall general election result. In Ilford North, Greens stood down to give Labour a better chance of beating the Conservatives. But in Walthamstow this is not a concern.

“If someone tells you "I like the Greens but they can't win", then this is how we make a difference:

“Tell at least one person you are voting Green. Explain why a Green vote in a safe Labour seat will have real long term value.

“It's essential to make sure Labour keeps its promises: your vote will build a bigger national Green voice and shape the future of British politics. We must shift hearts and minds across the country about the sort of future we want.”

Ukonu Obasi, Liberal Democrats

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

“On June 8, Walthamstow has a chance to commit to an open, tolerant and united nation. We do not have to leave the single market and hurt our economy in the process, and you can vote for me to fight to make that happen.

“I have worked in the NHS and I am committed to a properly funded NHS. The Liberal Democrats are pledging £7bn for investment in education – more than double Labour’s education plan. Adequate policing to keep us safe, eliminating homelessness and reversing benefits are not only my policy, but my party policy.

“Unlike the Labour party, the Liberal Democrats are united in our position on Europe and our policies are fair and reasonable. If elected, I will work hard to make Walthamstow a community we can all be proud of.”

Stella Creasy, Labour

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

“Your vote is your voice. You have a clear choice on Thursday – between someone who’ll fight for everyone in Walthamstow to succeed or someone who’ll be another stooge for Theresa May.

“If she is re-elected as Prime Minister, May will do nothing to help Walthamstow. Her hard Brexit plans would leave us poorer, closing the door to investment, jobs and talent. I voted against the Article 50 legislation because Britain needs cooperation with our neighbours, not conflict.

“This election is about more than Brexit. It’s about our homes, our hospitals, our schools and colleges, the police on our streets. I’ll fight for what’s important. My track record as an MP shows I'll always put Walthamstow first. It’s my home and my passion.

“Please use your vote to send a message that the people of Walthamstow want a better future under a Labour Government. I ask for your support.”