THE Conservative party candidate for the Hendon parliamentary ward has admitted the main parties are reluctant to reveal the true extent of planned cuts for fear of “scaring” voters.

Matthew Offord responded to comments from the Institute of Fiscal Studies, saying the three main parties were thin on spending cut detail, while out canvassing in Edgware today.

He told the Times Series: “I think it's a case they're all worried about scaring voters. It's not entirely fair at this point to get the main parties to say exactly what every single saving they would make is.

“We want to make savings on things like scrapping the ID card scheme and putting people's medical records online. I know from knocking on doors a lot of people in Hendon are upset about that.

“In international development we're giving £6bn a year to China, an emerging economy. Why are we doing that?”

Mr Offord, the former deputy leader of Barnet Council, was joined on the campaign trail today by Theresa Villiers, the Chipping Barnet Tory candidate and Shadow Transport Minister.

She said she was still receiving “very positive reaction” locally to her campaign, adding: “I'm also giving a hand in marginal seats so I have to divide my time up.

“This is why it's convenient to have a London constituency because normally I can get back to it in time to knock on some doors every evening.”

Mr Offord said MPs expenses were one of the main concerns he faced on the doorstep when talking to residents.

He said: “Expenses come up a lot and people say a lot of what has happened is wrong. I've always felt uneasy about London MPs claiming second homes and I've said from the start I wouldn't do that.

“I live in Hendon and I will continue to do so and travel back there every night. There are of course some expenses which are completely necessary like office and staff costs.

“What I was surprised about is people claiming for food, I really didn't know they could do that. At the end of the day we all have to eat, so why should MPs be able to claim for food?”

On the doors today he was accosted by Oakleigh Gardens resident Melvyn Ansher, who grilled him on David Cameron's Leaders Debate performances, saying he needed to “be more aggressive” and said he was “concerned it's become a three-way race”.

Mr Offord told him: “From what we have seen there's no increase in Liberal support, it's all between Labour and the Conservatives. People recognise a vote for the Lib Dems by default lets Labour in.”

Afterwards Mr Ansher told the Times Series he would like to hear more detailed financial plans coming from all three leaders.

He said: “The problem is the first one who comes out and describes exactly what's going to happen will scare off voters. I don't think people realise how deep it's going to have to be.”

Mr Offord said he was also using new media, including email alerts and You Tube videos to get his campaign message across.

He said: “With a week to go now it's a bit like an exam, if you've done your homework you will have all your ducks lined up.”