Candidates set for port polls

And the result could be a close call, if this marginal seat’s previous elections are anything to go by.

Cat Smith won the seat for Labour after a narrow victory over the Conservative’s Eric Ollerenshaw in May 2015, polling 17,643 votes to Mr Ollerenshaw’s 16,378 votes.

And Mr Ollerenshaw previously won the seat by a narrow margin himself.

Ms Smith and Mr Ollerenshaw will be up against Robin Long (Liberal Democrats) and Rebecca Novell (Green Party) in the elections on June 8.

Ms Smith said: “Just two years after being elected as your member of parliament, with a Lord Street office and regular advice sessions I’ve helped thousands of people and responded to over 14,000 calls, letters, and emails.I’ve ensured pensioners can use NOW cards on trams and supported fishermen to get safety equipment.”

Mr Ollerenshaw said: “After the last election we all assumed the constituency would vanish following the boundary changes, however, I am delighted it hasn’t and that I now have the chance to stand again and get some of the projects that I started, like the Fish Park back off the ground, and bring in even more investment.”

Robin Long said: “Politics is far too focused on populist polices instead of concentrating on what is best for the people, their communities and enabling each person to achieve their full potential. The Liberal Democrats will reverse the cuts to education, add a penny on income tax to fund health and social care.”

Rebecca Novell said: “The Green Party means voting for something different. We have real solutions to the issues impacting on my constituency. They will remove the failing Universal Credit system which is ruining so many lives and build 500,000 socially rented homes to provide new, affordable homes to thousands of families.”