THE general election campaign has entered its final week, and South West Surrey’s five hopefuls have all been busy canvassing for votes in the area’s streets, doorsteps and community halls.

Ahead of the June 8 vote, this week The Herald asked each candidate for a summary of the issues they have encountered on the campaign trail. In alphabetical order, they responded:

• David Black (Labour): “Campaigning has been good, a solid response from those who see the Labour manifesto as representing a real difference for once.

“Early doorstep issues were mostly about education and the fear that many people had about upcoming cuts to staff numbers just around the corner.

“Health was the next top issue with so many tales of people struggling with GP appointments and treatment delays.

“The events in Manchester obviously turned conversations onto security and fear over cuts to police. But overwhelmingly the top issue since the policy was announced was the Dementia tax and cuts to winter fuel allowance.

“So many voters are angered by these changes and rightly see it as an arrogant attack on pensioners.

“Even many lifelong Tory voters say they’ll be staying away rather than backing the Tories this time. So still all to play for.”

• Jeremy Hunt (Conservative): “Over the last few weeks I have knocked on doors in every corner of the constituency. People say ‘you’re bound to get in with your big majority’ but in truth after Trump, Brexit and other shock results, no one can take any election for granted - and if the Conservatives lose just six seats, we will lose our majority.

“So I am working hard for every vote - not least because I also know a vote for my party will strengthen Theresa May’s hand in the complex and difficult Brexit negotiations that will start just 11 days after election day. 

“I have enjoyed talking to many people about my work as Health Secretary - with the NHS dealing valiantly with enormous pressure, but none the less benefiting from more doctors, more nurses and more funding than ever before. As a result of which, we have the highest ever survival rates for cancer, stroke, heart attacks and most major diseases.

“Many thanks to all my campaign supporters and volunteers who have done an amazing job getting our messages out. I hope to be able to continue to work hard to secure a better future for local people in South West Surrey.”

• Dr Louise Irvine (National Health Action): “I’ve had a great response to my campaign in the streets and on the doorsteps in Farnham, Haslemere, Godalming and surrounding villages.

“Green, Labour and Lib Dem party members have been out campaigning for me.

“Public services are the main issues people raise. I’ve spoken to parents and teachers very concerned about school budget cuts; young mums concerned about toxic traffic fumes; older people worried about how their care will be provided; young people angry about lack of affordable housing and student debt; nurses and other health workers in despair about the damage government policies are inflicting on our NHS.

“Several people talked of family members who are teachers or health workers coming home in tears and planning to leave.

“They want an MP who will fight vigorously for the NHS and all our public services and are impressed by my track record as a campaigner.”

• Ollie Purkiss (Lib Dems): “The Liberal Democrats in South West Surrey have been hard at work during this campaign, coming straight off the back of local election victory in the county council elections.

“Talking to residents across the area there have been a range of issues raised, with recurring themes.

“Many people, including traditional Conservative voters, are concerned about the effect a hard Brexit would have on jobs, trade and incomes, and the Lib Dem alternative is going down well.

“The impending school cuts are worrying many local people as schools across the area are facing the prospect of having less money per pupil and fewer teachers. The Lib Dem’s extra investment for schools is welcome news.”

• Mark Webber (UKIP): “I joined my team at the UKIP street stall on Saturday morning in Farnham town centre.

“I had some good conversations with voters including some who had voted Remain last year, but have now changed their minds because they have seen that the sky did not fall in, as we were told it would.

“We will all be out campaigning again this weekend.

“I am also filling in for our Woking candidate at their main hustings on Thursday night, which will be good practice for our own ‘big fight’ at the Maltings on Friday – I can’t wait.

“I was relieved that my election address leaflet reached all households prior to the postal votes being dispatched – because we had some logistical problems with that two years ago.”