Name: Zac Goldsmith
Party: Conservative
Constituency: Richmond Park and North Kingston
Name one thing you will proactively change in the constituency if you are elected
Making sure we have enough good school places, reforming the planning laws to put people in the driving seat, lower train fares and better cycling provision are all big priorities. But I want to remove the threat of Heathrow expansion early on in this Parliament once and for all.
What has been your proudest achievement within the constituency in the last three years?
I’ve been active on lots of issues – from big concerns like stopping parking charges in Richmond Park and securing funds for Kew Gardens, to the very local, like getting a bench put at a level crossing for an elderly constituent - and I can’t single one out. But the most fun has been taking children and a huge papier mache whale to Number 10 to protest against ocean pollution.
What sets you apart from your fellow prospective parliamentary candidates?
I have a record and am proud to campaign on it. I was pleased to have been rated a top MP in terms of responsiveness to constituents, and at the same time I’ve been voted ‘best MP’ (or variations of it) five times by five different organisations for my campaigns on some of the big issues we face nationally.
What has been the most difficult conversation you have had while canvassing?
I’ve had some colourful one-way conversations with people who aren’t all that keen on politicians generally, but the most difficult conversations by far are with people facing huge difficulties who despite being an MP, I have struggled to help.
Why should people in Richmond Park and north Kingston vote for you?
I hope my record shows that I have stood up for my community at every turn since I was elected in 2010, that I have held Government to account, and that my campaigning has been effective.
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