Candidates of all political persuasions have explained the issues facing the North East Somerset Constituency, which includes Midsomer Norton, and why they are best placed to tackle them.

The nation will go to the polls on Thursday, December 12.

Nick Coates – Liberal Democrat

"Our politicians are failing us, we all know that. So why on earth did I give up my job to campaign to be your MP?

"It's very simple. I've spent my life fighting injustice and helping people who are being let down by the system.

"But I can do more good and help more people by getting inside the system and fixing it.

"I will focus 100 per cent on my service to the people of North East Somerset.

"No second, third or fourth jobs for me.

"Locally I will fight for:

Local climate action. Stop the expansion of Bristol Airport and introduce cheaper, greener and more reliable buses.

A home you can afford. Genuinely affordable housing for both renters and buyers.

Supporting local schools. Properly funded local schools where teachers and staff are free to work for your children, not league tables.

Safer streets. Reverse the austerity that has decimated our police and re-establish a local police presence in our communities.

Better social care for the elderly. Social care services must be expanded so that people can continue to live in their own homes in old age.

And nationally I support the Liberal Democrat commitments to:

Stop Brexit

Tackle the climate emergency

Give every child the best start in life

Build a fairer economy

Transform our mental health services

Mark Huband – Labour

"First it was the despair of the West Harptree teacher who could not bear to see her pupils denied the quality education they deserve.

"Then it was the Keynsham carer who did not know whether she will keep the job on which her vulnerable patients depend.

"Most recently it was the Writhlington mum who barely has the money to feed her kids during school holidays.

"The experiences of families, teachers, health professionals and pensioners across North East Somerset, have for me been as heartbreaking as they have been inspiring for the courage they reveal.

"As our communities endure economic stagnation, political uncertainty and inadequate public services, the most important role of a parliamentary candidate and MP is to listen, learn and act quickly to bring relief and hope.

"I have spent my entire working life listening. As a war correspondent I listened to people's stories, and brought their suffering to the attention of the world.

"As a businessman I listen to my employees, and help them through challenging times.

"As a parent I listen to and advise my children as they take on the challenge of setting off into the world.

"As MP for North East Somerset I will be the servant of all the people – by listening, learning, and working tirelessly to make life better."

Shaun Hughes – Independent

Shaun is a local businessman from Midsomer Norton and a newly elected councillor on Bath and North East Somerset Council who would like to see a North East Somerset MP more focused on the issues within our area, such as crime and antisocial behaviour, housing, local employment, health services and care of our elderly.

Although it's a vitally important issue this election is unlikely to solve Brexit, and leave or remain the issues will continue well into the future.

Shaun's personal opinion is that we should give the population an opportunity to reaffirm their wish to leave now that they have all the facts. If the answer is yes, we should leave whilst also bringing the nation together behind this policy.

Whatever the outcome he is confident the UK will succeed with the right leadership from parliament, and feels that this will require more independent thinking and less party politics.

Jacob Rees-Mogg – Conservative

Jacob Rees-Mogg was brought up in Somerset and lives in West Harptree with his wife Helena and their six children.

He says most of his weekends are devoted to holding surgeries for people and visiting businesses, charitable organisations and community events throughout North East Somerset.

In what few spare moments he gets, he supports Somerset County Cricket Team.

Jacob said: "At the forthcoming general election only a Conservative government will deliver Brexit and ensure a strong United Kingdom and prosperity for all.

"The alternative is a Labour Government under Jeremy Corbyn, supported by Nicola Sturgeon, surrendering to Brussels whilst presiding over a break-up of the UK and economic disaster."

In asking for his constituents' votes, he said: "You can shape the future of our country with a choice between a Conservative Government delivering Brexit – or a Labour Government delivering many more months of Brexit delay.

"A vote that is not Conservative is a vote for a Jeremy Corbyn Labour Government.

"It has been an honour serving my constituents as their MP and if re-elected I shall continue to work hard for them, both in Westminster and here in North East Somerset."

Fay Whitfield – Green

"I'm running in this election to give a voice to those who are not well represented in politics, especially the younger generation.

"My generation have spent their entire adult lives in austerity, trying to start their lives while being told to 'tighten their belts'.

"And then on top of that, we've now been told there is effectively 10 years left to prevent the worst effects of climate change, and if we fail then it us who have to bear the consequences.

"Because of this voters will know I stand for three things:

1) preventing climate change by subsidising sustainable practices in agriculture and clean energy, saying no to Bristol Airport expansion, and insulating homes.

2) supporting a green economy which provides green jobs that prevent climate change, which makes living more affordable, which invests in local infrastructure.

3) Creating a democracy which works for everyone, not just those with the deepest pockets or who can shout the loudest, by backing a People's Vote, proportional representation and votes at 16."