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 Liberal Democrats' Harrow East candidate Ross Barlow explains why you should vote for him.

1. A stronger economy: The most important thing in this election is which candidate will put more money in the pockets of working families through a sustainable economic recovery. This means responsible and measured deficit reduction as well as investment in growth. Only with the Liberal Democrats can you get the balance right, a practical economic plan mixed with a determination that everyone pays their fair share.

2. A tax cut for those who need it: It’s time that the poorest in society benefited. I am so proud that the Lib Dems were able to defy David Cameron’s objections and raise the personal tax threshold so the lowest earners receive a £825 tax cut. We now want to go even further, so that hard-working families don’t pay a single penny in income tax on the first £12,500 of their pay packet.

3. Saving the NHS: To this date only the Liberal Democrats have put their money where their mouth is and pledged the full amount for the NHS. We have already put an extra £400 million into early support for people with mental health issues and capped the cost of social care. But we want to correct decades of underfunding for mental health treatments and absolutely ensure nobody has to sell their house to pay for their care again.

4. Diversity: Harrow East is a vibrant and diverse area. I will speak up for the fantastic diverse communities that live in Harrow, defending liberty for all races, religions and communities rather than dividing people and choosing sides.

5. A local candidate: Harrow needs an MP who lives and loves the area. I have campaigned on issues large and small, submitting countless petitions to the civic centre and constantly reporting fly-tipping and property damage to the council. As a local activist with a political party that believes in communities, I am the best candidate to be a voice for the strong, diverse, fantastic local community of Harrow East.