The Times Series has asked each parliamentary candidate to explain why they should become an MP at the General Election on May 7.

Here Conservative candidate for Hendon, Matthew Offord, explains why you should vote for him.

1. Tackling crime. Under Labour the police spent 50% more time on paper work than they did on patrol. I made a commitment to change that. Reforms to the police mean they now have one target – to cut crime – and in this constituency crime has fallen 14% since 2010. However, whilst this is good news, I am not complacent and I remain committed to ensuring that people feel safe in their homes and in our communities.

2. A first class education. I have been a strong advocate of Free Schools and Academies which have proved popular in this constituency. I want to see more schools like this to increase parental choice and improve standards. £55.8 million has been invested in new school places and I will campaign for further funding to ensure the needs of population increases in our area are met.

3. A free and efficient Health Service. Our strong economy has made it possible to increase NHS spending to a record £113 billion. In addition bureaucracy has been cut, releasing more money for front-line care. In London alone there are now 1,685 more doctors, 3,641 more clinical staff and 1,500 more nurses. I am committed to our NHS and will campaign for better ‘out-of-hours’ GP services to provide the care patients deserve.

4. A better deal for train and tube users. I have pressed the Government for urgent action to improve the Thameslink service which is not acceptable. I will continue my campaigns for step-free access at Mill Hill Broadway station as well as improvements to the Northern line service at Mill Hill East. I am also pressing for a new tube station at Colindale to meet the demands of the much-needed new homes being built.

5. A strong local voice. Living in the constituency I experience local life and understand local concerns. I have fought for lower energy costs, cheaper petrol, fairer parking, and a referendum on the EU. I have opposed development on our green spaces and advocated measures to help local shops and businesses. I will continue to work for local people on the issues that matter and I will have only one job – MP for Hendon.