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

Here, Conservative candidate Oliver Dowden explains why you should vote for him...

I was born and grew up just outside Radlett, went to Parmiter’s School and still live locally with my wife and two young children.

I am passionate about defending the things that make Hertsmere such a special place to live.

Defending Our Countryside: Our surrounding countryside makes our towns and villages beautiful places to live, gives us space to roam and prevents urban sprawl. I will vigorously defend it.

Better Transport: Many of us rely on our excellent transport links. I will campaign to keep up the investment in our trains and stations, to prevent overcrowding and stop excessive fare rises.

Improving Education: I received an excellent education at our local state schools and am determined to ensure that all children get the best start in life. That means great teaching, discipline and high expectations for all our children.

I won a place to read law at Cambridge University and trained as a lawyer. I have spent the past five years as a senior political adviser to the Prime Minister, working to get the economy back on track, reform welfare and improve education.

I believe that I have the skills and experience to give Hertsmere a strong voice nationally and get us the very best deal.

This election is vital for the future of our country. Five years ago, unemployment was high, the economy had just suffered the worst recession since the war and we were borrowing more than at any point in our peacetime history.

We are now starting to turn the corner. Our economy is now growing strongly, creating jobs and security for people in Hertsmere, where unemployment has halved. We’ve halved the deficit, increased the state pension by £800, helped make work pay by capping benefits and cut income tax for 26 million people by increasing the tax free personal allowance to over £10,000.

That’s why I’m determined that we stick to our long term economic plan. It’s a balanced approach that will safeguard our economy by dealing with our debts and keeping mortgage rates low, continue to cut taxes for hardworking taxpayers, while maintaining funding for vital public services like the NHS.

We must not put that at risk by allowing Ed Miliband into Downing Street with his plans for more spending, borrowing and taxes – exactly what got us into this mess when he was last in government.

So in summary, here’s five reasons to choose me as your MP:

1. I’m local

2. I have national experience

3. I’ll use this to be a strong voice for Hertsmere nationally

4. I’ll be a strong campaigner locally in protecting our countryside and improving our schools and transport

5. I’ll make sure we stick with the plan that is starting to turn our country round and starting to deliver security for hard working taxpayers in Hertsmere