Mid Leicestershire General Election candidates tell you why they think they deserve your vote

General Election candidates in Mid Leicestershire have set out why you should vote for them when the polling booths open on Thursday, July 4. LeicestershireLive invited the candidates to tell you what they wanted you to know about them when you went to the polling booths.

Five candidates are fighting for your vote in the newly created constituency of Mid Leicestershire. The seat has been formed from much of the previous Charnwood constituency, as well as from Bosworth (now renamed Hinckley and Bosworth), and South Leicestershire. The rest of the old Charnwood constituency has been absorbed into the new Melton and Syston seat.

The very first MP for Mid Leicestershire is predicted to be Conservative Party candidate Peter Bedford, according to a recent YouGov poll. Here's what your candidates have to say:

Peter Bedford – Conservative Party

"As the eldest child from a single parent family, I place improving social mobility and life chances at the heart of my political beliefs. I’m passionate about improving education and training so anyone has the tools, the opportunity, to succeed.

"I moved to the county to read law at the University of Leicester. After completing my studies, I went on to qualify as a Chartered Accountant before going on to work for several Leicestershire firms.

"In 2017 I was elected as county councillor for Markfield, Desford & Thornton where I have held several roles including chairing the Corporate Governance Committee, serving as a Scrutiny Commissioner and latterly in Cabinet as Portfolio Holder for ‘Recovery & Transformation’.

"As an active local councillor, I have secured over £200,000 of grants for community groups, defended villages against overdevelopment, regularly hold surgeries, and have worked through hundreds of pieces of casework. It is this work ethic that I will bring with gusto if I have the honour of being elected Mid Leicestershire’s first MP.

"I am passionate that our first MP lives, breathes and feels the issues affecting us locally; be it the current levels of unsustainable development across our villages, the threats to rural transportation, or the need for improvements to our highways network.

"I place strong borders, a robust justice system, and support for small and medium-sized businesses as key areas of interest and would be a vocal advocate for these.

"My record demonstrates my experience, my commitment, and my work ethic."

Tony Deakin – Green Party

"I am Leicester born and bred and have lived, worked and raised a family in the constituency for 25 years.

"I have served Leicester people as a physiotherapist for 32 years, and more recently my local community in Kirby Muxloe as District Councillor. I worked in all three city hospitals and in the US healthcare system before establishing a private practice. Also, my siblings and both parents spent most of their working lives in the NHS, so you could say healthcare is in my blood!

"It’s heartbreaking to witness how the NHS has been allowed to decline, and is now more threatened than ever. The Green Party will defend the NHS against creeping privatisation and restore pay for doctors and nurses to reflect their worth to our society and to encourage them to stay in the NHS.

"Disgust at the mismanagement and dishonesty of successive Conservative governments moved me to stand as a candidate, and to offer the public something better.

"The Green Party’s plan can restore vital supporting services, confidence and sense of community, and develop our country in a way that stops destroying the natural world and starts rejuvenating it.

"Following this plan can result in cheaper, cleaner energy; warmer homes that cost less to run; higher quality food; better health and social care; and more stimulating education preparing the next generation for a more difficult and challenging world.

"That is a win/win situation, offering real hope and real change!"

Robert Martin – Labour Party

"I'm Robert Martin, and I'm running to be your Labour MP for Mid Leicestershire. I grew up in Glenfield, went to school in Groby, and now live in Ratby. I care deeply about our community in Mid Leicestershire. I’ve been speaking to people across Mid Leicestershire and it's clear we need change.

"Our Tory MP hasn't been active in helping our area. They've been more focused on their job in Westminster and haven't done much for us. I want to change that. I will be an MP who is visible, active, and present in our community, working with you to address our needs and representing us in government.

"I've spent my life helping people. I'm the CEO of a local charity for disabled children and an NHS nurse. I have hope for the future. We must fix the NHS, grow our economy, improve public services and get our schools back on track. I'm here to listen and represent all residents, putting people before politics and our community before the party.

"If you want to discuss your priorities in Mid Leicestershire, my number is 07488266932. I would love to hear from you.

"In this election, we have a choice: continue with the worsening problems under the Tories or choose change with Labour. Only Labour can beat the Tories here in Mid Leicestershire, so if you want change, vote for me, Robert Martin, your Labour candidate, on July 4th.

"Let's work together to make Mid Leicestershire a better place for everyone!"

Also standing in Mid Leicestershire is Ian Bradwell, of the Liberal Democrats, and Tom Smith, of Reform UK. We offered both the chance to give us a statement for inclusion in this article, but did not receive one from either candidate by the publication deadline.