There are seven candidates standing in the general election for the Chatham and Aylesford constituency.

Luke Balnave (Green)

Luke Balnave was born in 1984 and educated at Haberdashers Askes Boys School and Durham University. He lives in Rochester and is a sound engineer.

Key policies: Scrapping tuition fees, promoting affordable housing, bring banking and corporate tax dodgers to book and establishing a progressive tax system.

In his words: I believe in real democracy - decisions made in the interests of people, not banks and corporations.

Tracey Crouch (Con)

Born in 1975, Tracey Crouch studied law at Hull University, before becoming a researcher for the Conservatives. She left Westminster for a spell working as a political consultant in industry before returning to Parliament to work for the then shadow education secretary Damian Green. She has represented Chatham and Aylesford since 2010.

Key policies: Dealing with Britain’s debt and deficit to get back to a strong economy.

In her words: “I have worked hard for Chatham and Aylesford since 2010 and will continue to do so if re-elected.”

John-Wesley Gibson (CPA)

John-Wesley Gibson is a Christian youth worker and a pastor at the gospel church God’s Elect in Sandling, Maidstone.

Key policies: Building healthy and strong traditional families. Giving parents who stay at home to receive an enhanced child benefit in the early years to encourage parents to spend more time with very young children.

In his words: “My major concern is the breakdown of marriages which are costing the country £47billion per year.”

Tristan Osborne (Lab)

In his early-30s, Mr Osborne works for a small business in London. Born and raised in Medway, he went Durham University where he gained a masters degree in business management. He has been a Medway council member since 2011.

Key policies: He is keen on apprenticeships and policies to get people in work.

In his words: “My most pressing concern is getting people the best education possible.”

Thomas Quinton (Lib Dem)

Thomas Quinton is a graduate of the London School of Economics and a barrister. He currently works supporting local small business and social enterprises.

Key policies: Investment in education from nursery to 19, more apprenticeships, discounted bus travel and a massive increase in housebuilding. Support too for those who rent their homes.

In his words: Equality of opportunity is the key to strengthening our economy and unlocking everyone’s potential in life.

Ivor Riddell (TUSC)

Born in Gillingham, Ivor Riddell is married and has five children. He has worked with British Rail and London Transport. A long=time Labour supporter, he turned to the Trade Union and Socialist Coalition when Labour “completely forgot their core supporters.”

Key policies: A decent day’s pay for a good day’s work. The right to come home healthy at the end of the day and equality in the workplace and society as a whole.

In his words: We will raise the minimum wage to £10 per hour and link it to inflation so that we can empower people to make real choices for themselves with the secure knowledge their family can afford to live without having to top up their income from benefits.

Ian Wallace (Ukip)

Formerly a big donor and supporter of the Labour Party, Mr Wallace defected to Ukip in May last year.

Key policies: Cutting immigration and leaving the EU.

In his words: I discovered Ukip was more aligned with my concerns and would encourage other disillusioned Labour Party supporters to vote Ukip.”