We asked Witham's Conservative hopeful Priti Patel six questions, but only gave her 50 words to answer.

These are the results:

1. What do think about the current Government-set house building targets in Witham? If you don’t agree with them, how will you fight them?

The Government no longer sets housing targets for local authorities. Conservatives have reformed the planning system so that local authorities are now empowered to make their own assessments. There is a need for more local homes for local people and new developments must be considered very carefully.

2. Apart from the NHS, what should be the government’s number one spending priority?

We have prioritised spending at least an additional £8 billion on the NHS. A Conservative Government will also invest in creating more apprenticeship places, support and training to get more people into work and provide 30 hours of free childcare.

3. What personally sets you apart from the other candidates?

I have had the privilege to be Witham’s MP for the last five years, working with communities across the constituency and providing advice and help to more than 12,000 residents. I have the experience of standing up for residents in need and successfully campaigning for new infrastructure and services.

4. Name a pledge you will fulfil, if elected, within 100 days.

If re-elected I will continue to provide advice and help to residents with immediate effect. My campaigns for new and improved infrastructure will carry-on running as well as my work supporting local communities concerned about over-development.

5. What do you think is the biggest challenge Witham will face over the next five years (house building aside)?

Witham needs new health facilities and if re-elected I will continue my campaign and work with the NHS and local authorities to secure new NHS provision.

6. Is there a policy or piece of legislation YOU would personally propose if elected which is not in your party’s manifesto?

The manifesto already contains legislation I have campaigned for, including, a Victims’ Law to provide more rights for victims of crime as well as a commitment to deliver improvements to rail services for local commuters on the GEML.