UNSURE who to vote for - this is how Conservative candidate Rebecca Pow hopes will win your vote.

 

I WAS selected as Prospective Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Taunton Deane through an open primary process.

I was chosen by local people from across the political spectrum who recognised that I am not a career politician, but someone with a vast amount of local knowledge, and a strong background in rural, farming and environmental issues.

I have lived in Taunton Deane for 27 years, and have worked all of my life as a journalist and broadcaster, and before that for the National Farmers’ Union.

More recently, I have run my own local business, as well as bringing up our three children with my husband, Charles Clark.

I am clear in what I want to achieve for the people of this constituency; to find out what issues need addressing and work hard to unlock the full potential of Taunton Deane.

That’s an undertaking I have already started.

I’ve played a key role in securing £4.6million to transform Taunton railway station (attracting a further £22million to develop Firepool), and £50million to upgrade the congested A358 and the associated M5 junction.

I worked with local groups and brought the Secretary of State for Transport here to further this cause, which will bring new businesses and more jobs.

I’m also campaigning for more investment in flood defences, and the roll-out of superfast broadband to enable our rural areas and farming to prosper.

While new homes are needed, I’m standing up for effective planning which integrates good roads, enough school places, sufficient GP coverage, protected green areas and applications which take account of local character.

Broadening our sporting, leisure and cultural offer is also important, and I’m involved in a range of initiatives, including forwarding the fantastic new Watersports Centre at French Weir.

We have made great progress so far. Our economy is improving, unemployment has fallen and welfare is being changed so it no longer pays not to work.

Over 46,000 people in Taunton Deane have seen tax cuts since 2010, new businesses have started up and flourished, and 2,500 more people are in work, giving them security and stability.

Already the Conservatives’ long-term plan is working to get the economy back on track and correct the irresponsible overspending of the Labour Party, but there is still much to do here in Taunton Deane and I am up for the challenge.