Today we meet the candidates contesting the Cheltenham division of Lansdown and Park
Mark Daniels, Ukip
Mark Daniels is the author of 41 internationally acclaimed books and thousands of columns and features. A gastronome, a former steeplechaser, keen fisherman and a libertarian to his fingertips, he was UKIP's first ever Media Officer. He has lived, worked and played in France, Italy and Ireland. He speaks French and Italian fluently.
As food-correspondent and campaigning columnist for the Western Morning News, he is intimately aware of the problems besetting small businesses, sole traders and the food, drink and hospitality trades. "I have seen my friends and their livelihoods destroyed by the ambitions of metropolitan, middle-class professional politicians to strut in a Superstate.
I have seen the energetic unemployed reduced to dependence because regulation prevents involvement and service. I will ceaselessly battle regulations and one-size-fits-all government. I will demand that power rests where it belongs – in the hands of the people, at local level."
Tim Harman, Conservative
I am delighted to have been chosen as the Conservative candidate to represent Lansdown and Park.
I am Cheltenham born and bred and live in the heart of the area.
Cheltenham has been an important part of my life for all of my life and I am well acquainted with the concerns of residents. It is a fantastic town and I will do all I can to ensure that it prospers but also is protected from unwanted or unsuitable development.
I was elected to the Borough Council last year and was a County Councillor for four years until 2009.
I was really pleased that the Conservatives reversed the Lib Dem and Labour decision to close two special schools for vulnerable children – that was something I campaigned extensively on.
Looking forward, I strongly support Conservative plans to freeze council tax for at least two years and to put extra money into road improvements.
Max Wilkinson, Liberal Democrat
Max Wilkinson is a 29-year-old graduate who has a strong record of holding councils to account, as a local campaigner and former reporter.
He lives off The Park and works in education communications in Lansdown, following a career in print media.
Max's top priorities for Cheltenham are to get traffic moving through better transport solutions, fix potholed streets, build affordable houses, and preserve the town's parks, gardens and countryside.
He also pledges to ensure taxpayers' cash is used responsibly, campaign for the protection of cherished local services, and promote better ways to deal with waste.
In recent months, Max has been successful in getting graffiti removed and potholes filled, and has worked with residents on a parking consultation.
A member of the Friends of Hatherley Park, Max's hobbies are exercising, watching sport, drinking real ale and walking in the countryside.
Vanessa Angelo-Thomson, Green Party: Photograph and profile not submitted
Robert Irons, Labour Party: Photograph and profile not submitted
Radek Walesa, Independent: The Echo was unable to contact this candidate
