The Harrow Times has asked each parliamentary candidate to list five reasons why they should become an MP at the General Election on May 7.

Here the Labour Party’s candidate for Harrow West Gareth Thomas explains why you should vote for him.

1. Harrow is my home. I grew up here and went to Pinner Park and Hatch End High, and still live here with my family. Like all parents, I want my newborn daughter to go to a good school and will continue to press for more money to improve our schools and raise education standards in Harrow further.

2. Following the closures of the A&E departments at Central Middlesex and Hammersmith Hospital last September, the pressure on Northwick Park has been growing, with the waiting times at A&E the worst in the country this winter. I have successfully campaigned for the opening hours at the Alexandra Avenue walk-in clinic to be extended, which will help ease some of this pressure, and will continue to campaign for more investment for the NHS in Harrow.

3. I am concerned about the impact of the cuts we have seen in the past five years to the police, with more than 100 uniformed police lost in Harrow alone, and more than 4,000 lost across London. I will continue to campaign for a safer community with increased police numbers to tackle anti-social behaviour and crime.

4. I will champion the regeneration of Harrow town centre and other local shopping areas to make it a place we can all be proud of. I want to ensure that new developments create decent jobs, and that we build the affordable housing we need for local residents. I am determined to protect our green, open spaces and parks, and preserve the character of our conservation areas.

5. I will always stand up for Harrow in Parliament, regardless of which party is in power, and will always try to help anyone who lives in our area and needs my assistance.