Despite Labour holding what is considered a safe seat, other candidates will fancy their chances after Graham Allen stepped down as MP after 30 years of service.
Mr Allen announced he would step down as MP for Nottingham North on April 22 with Alex Norris replacing him as the Labour candidate.
Labour recorded a majority of 11,860 in 2015 but with a new face campaigning for the group, candidates from other parties will be hoping to take advantage and swing the seat.
Result in 2015: LABOUR HOLD – Graham Allen
Majority: 11,860
Electorate: 64,578
Turnout: 53.6 per cent
Constituency boundary
Questioning the candidates
Stephen Crosby – UKIP
Why should people vote for you?
Nottingham North was 63.8 per cent in favour of Brexit and I’m the only candidate where you can be assured that Brexit means exit from the EU. There are imposters – a lot of people jumping on the bandwagon but we are tried and tested true Brexiteers.
What local issue is most important to you in Nottingham North?
I think it has to be employment. For those who have never worked or are long-term unemployed, Nottingham North has double the average of England and Wales. For those who are unemployed, again double the average and for those with no qualifications is 35.8 per cent. I’m going around the doors and it’s very obvious that we are looking at a lot of folk who would love to work, love to have the opportunity of owning their own home, but unfortunately we have seen a legacy of Labour in Nottingham North and they have failed to deliver. It is now time for change and I believe that UKIP are that fresh voice for that change as we move forward. Brexit for us is only the start of a process – UKIP are alive and well and we are looking to the future, so much so that both the Conservatives and Labour are imitating our policies, be that even very simple things like ending the car parking charges. Even Jeremy Corbyn’s relation to the impact of foreign wars – we believe we should not be interfering with overseas matters.
What has the area got most going for it?
I think it has to be the frankness and openness of the people. What you see is what you get – you know where you stand with them and that’s what I want. I want to be open and frank with them and they’re certainly open and very frank with me.
Kirsty Jones – Green Party
Why should people vote for you?
We need to have the values that we have reflected in the numbers of votes that we have. Obviously we stand for the enviornment and for human rights and we stand for equal sharing of resources and I think we need to push Labour even more by having these values and getting them represented.
What local issue is most important to you in Nottingham North?
I think jobs is an important one because there is a high level of unemployment in Nottingham North so I think we really need to invest in jobs that will be easier for people to get in the area, like in the public sector and in renewable industries. I also think housing is very important because we need to make sure rental housing is fit for purpose and we need to make sure there is a good variety of social housing for people.
What has the area got most going for it?
I just like the diversity of the area, it’s lively and there’s a mix of different people who get along and I think it’s somewhere I’d be pleased to represent.
Tadeusz Jones – Liberal Democrats
Why should people vote for you?
I’m a local lad. I was born and raised in Nottingham and am raising my own family in Nottingham but I’m also a liberal and that’s important because we want to create a liberal society where people are free to live their lives as best they can. There are loads of ways of doing that – there’s removing restrictions against people where it’s not harming anyone and there’s also empowering people to live their lives, such as education and good healthcare and so on.
What local issue is most important to you in Nottingham North?
The big issue is Brexit as it’s going to affect jobs, it’s going to affect people in Nottingham North and I think it will affect living standards. I think they’re going to make a pig’s ear of it and it’s pretty important. People need to make their decision bearing that in mind.
What has the area got most going for it?
I like some of the communities – we take my daughter to a dance class at Sheila Russell Centre and it’s nice. It’s a nice place to live, to grow up and raise a family.
Alex Norris – Labour
Why should people vote for you?
Our community needs a strong, local voice. I’m a local man living in Bulwell and am committed to improving our community. I have organised a campaign to save Basford Hall College and have given this a structure. We also need to bring investment into the community to make significant inroads into improving our sense of community.
What local issue is most important to you in Nottingham North?
For me it’s about school cuts. Whatever you think about politics, not investing in our children is simply not good. On average, there will be a loss of more than £500 per pupil for each in our constituency alone.
What has the area got most going for it?
It has to be the people and the community – we have a really strong sense of community and there are people here who really look out for each other. I love meeting people from all sorts of different backgrounds and it is a great place to live – I am proud to call the people of Nottingham North by neighbours.
Jack Tinley – Conservative
Why should people vote for you?
Firstly, I am a local candidate. I understand what’s really important to our community like jobs, healthcare, education and infrastructure. Secondly, I’m both the only candidate who clearly supports Brexit and can clearly beat Labour in this seat, making sure we have a strong representation in Parliament. Thirdly, I think it’s time for change in Nottingham North. We have had decades of Labour MPs, Labour councillors. We need new leadership with fresh ideas and a vote for me is a vote for change.
What local issue is most important to you in Nottingham North?
On a national level, Brexit is the most important issue – that’s what this election is all about. 64 per cent of people in Nottingham North voted for Brexit and I think the Labour MP still voted against it after that in Parliament. I think that’s a really sad reflection in Labour’s trust in the people. If elected, I will be a strong representative and ensure everything possible with Brexit is delivered.
What has the area got most going for it?
It’s the people – it’s such a friendly area – you go out in Bulwell market, in Bestwood, and everyone says hi and everyone is interested in what’s going on in the local community. That’s why I love this area.
