The General Election campaign is now officially underway ahead of polling day on May 7.

Although the Braintree and Witham constituencies are considered to be safe Tory seats, every candidate will be fighting hard for your vote.

In Braintree, long-serving MP Brooks Newmark is standing down, which means every candidate is starting with a fresh slate.

James Cleverly is standing for the Conservatives, Malcolm Fincken is standing for Labour, Richard Bingley for Ukip, Matthew Klesel for the Liberal Democrats and Paul Jeater for the Green Party. Toby Pereira is standing as an independent.

In Witham, Conservative Priti Patel will be campaigning to hold on to her seat against John Clarke for Labour, Garry Cockrill for Ukip, Jo Hayes for the Liberal Democrats and James Abbott for the Green Party.

We want to know what you think the candidates should focus on before and after the election. What does your constituency need? What would you like to see your MP secure for your area?

We also want to put your questions to the candidates. What do you want to ask them?

Send us your questions and we will print a selection of the best with answers from each of the candidates.

Email us with the subject line “Election question” at bwtnews@nqe.com.

Please include your name and street name so we can ensure questions come from genuine constituents.

See this week’s Braintree and Witham Times for a full guide to the candidates.