Name: Nick Grant

Party: Labour

Constituency: Twickenham

Name one thing you will proactively change in the constituency if you are elected.

Education is my passion and I’ve been disappointed to have had so many conversations with parents worried about their child finding a place at a good, nearby school. So as Twickenham’s MP I would tackle head on the crisis in school places planning, using my position and influence to coordinate a fresh start, mediating between national and local government to create a proper plan with the right schools in the right places.

What has been your proudest achievement within the constituency in the last three years?

Not in the constituency, but just a mile outside, I’ve been extremely proud to have played my part as chair of governors in turning round the performance of a secondary school in Feltham. This depends on great teaching of course but our success has also been built on a strong comprehensive social mission - offering an excellent education to all children regardless of background.

What sets you apart from your fellow prospective parliamentary candidates?

Like Vince Cable I have a successful career in business, and feel I am the sort of politician he once was. People in Twickenham believe in fairness, promoting the talented and protecting the vulnerable. Vince’s right-wing Conservative government has created a less equal and less united country. I am passionate about seeing Twickenham’s values reflected here and in Parliament.

What has been the most difficult conversation you have had while canvassing?

The most difficult conversations I’ve had are those where people obviously need change quickly - to be able to afford the rent, find a new job, find the right school for their child - and the answer isn’t immediately in my gift as a candidate. I find this incredibly frustrating but that's why I’m so driven to become Twickenham’s MP, so that I can achieve more for people.

Why should people in Twickenham vote for you?

It's not about me, it's about the future direction of our country. Under the Coalition government we've taken the wrong turn: policies such as the Bedroom Tax, reduced taxes for the wealthiest and greater privatisation in the NHS have made us less fair as a society. The growth of food banks is proof that we are increasingly divided. This trend will continue unless a Labour government is elected on May 7th.