You decide who will become the next MP for Hastings and Rye

Amber Rudd, Conservative candidate for the 2015 general election in Hastings and Rye

The General Election takes place on May 7.

The Hastings & St Leonards Observer asked Conservative candidate Amber Rudd why the residents of Hastings and Rye should vote for her.

Here is Ms Rudd’s statement:

A direct Javelin train service from Hastings and Rye to London Kings Cross is within our reach.

This is my clear and achievable ambition for us.

The high speed link to Hastings would give a journey time to London of around 68 minutes and from Rye a journey time of just under an hour.

Unemployment has fallen by 50 per cent. I want that fall to continue.

I will build on the success of my first Careers Fair and annual Jobs Fair to help showcase to school and college leavers the great opportunities we have locally.

Sussex Decides 2015 General Election SUS-150226-125523001

I will continue to secure investment in infrastructure which is so important to attracting businesses.

Traditional jobs are vital to our local community and I will renew my campaign for a fairer share of the quota for local fishermen.

The current status quo, is unacceptable.

Over the past five years we’ve secured vital investment in local health services. I will ensure that continues and will support vital improvements to our Conquest Hospital.

Following the CQC inspection in September 2014 the Conquest has made significant improvements. That needs to continue.

Businesses tell me that they have jobs for people, but they can’t find the right skills in job seekers. I welcome that twice as many schools are now good or outstanding than in 2010, but we need to move beyond the national average.

The tremendous growth in apprenticeships needs to continue and I will work with businesses to deliver that.

Hastings and Rye needs to be at the top of the agenda for transport investment.

This Government has started dualling the A21 and I will campaign for more until it is fully dualled.

The Link Road will be completed this year and I will ensure that the Queensway Gateway follows swiftly to relieve congestion on the Ridge. These priorities will make a difference to every single family in Hastings and Rye.

That is what I want - opportunity for everyone.