The Conservative candidate for Hendon hopes his “track record” in education will be enough to see him regain his seat.

Matthew Offord, a former deputy leader of Barnet Council, has represented Hendon for more than 15 years in various positions, taking the spot as Hendon MP in 2010.

For him, the key issues are ensuring funding for schools, a “complete reform” of business rates, and more work on air quality, though he doesn’t feel diesel car drivers should be “unfairly punished”.

On education, Mr Offord said he worked towards seeing Fairway School in Mill Hill, Broadfields Primary School in Edgware and The Orion School in Colindale rebuilt during his time on the council.

He said: “There is greater choice for parents than ever so the future of education under a Conservative government is good.”

Mr Offord also said there have been “no cuts” to education and con- Matthew Offord demned the NUT, saying they “want to scaremonger.”

With regards planning, Mr Offord says he does not get involved as he believes it is for Barnet Council to decide.

But on the West Hendon regeneration, he said he “knocked on every single door” and that “no one has been left homeless”.

On Brexit, Mr Offord said the idea of a soft or hard Brexit is “simply silly” and it comes down to whether it is Jeremy Corbyn or Theresa May.

He said: “One thing people do know me for is that I never promise anything.

"I tell them I will do my best and I do the best that I can.”