With polling day for the next general election just a few weeks away, we asked the candidates in Hazel Grove about their priorities if they were to be elected.

Speaking of the constituency, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said:

"Hazel Grove is a big one for the Lib Dems. It was as safe as any of their seats could be for the party from 1997 to 2010, and then in the exodus of voters away from Liberal Democrats, William Wragg snapped it up in 2015.

"Mr Wragg has been the MP here ever since, but he is now an independent after resigning the whip earlier this year amid a parliamentary sexting scandal. He's not re-standing.

"That means there's a new Tory candidate, Paul Athans, is facing off against Lib Dem Lisa Smart who has run in this race before. She's a local councillor, as is Labour candidate Claire Vibert.

"And speaking of Labour, one poll said the party could do well here — so it could end up that the anti-Conservative vote is split, allowing Mr Athans victory. It's a real toss-up here."

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Here's what the candidates themselves told Nub News:

Paul Athans | Conservatives

Paul Athans, Conservative parliamentary candidate for Hazel Grove (Image supplied)

"My primary focus is always the same: supporting and representing local residents. 

"My local plan for the area is: more money for district centres; improving local transport; better access to health care; affordable homes; tackling crime and antisocial behaviour; and protecting our environment.

"As someone who lives in the heart of our constituency, I understand just how important these points are in our area, and beyond. 

"I look forward to continuing to champion local issues and giving Hazel Grove Constituency the strong voice it deserves."

John Kelly | Reform UK

John Kelly did not respond to our request for a manifesto in time.

Reform UK recently released its election 'contract', the core pledges for which included: a freeze on non-essential migration; detaining and deporting migrants who arrive on small boats; zero NHS waiting lists; lifting the income tax starting threshold to £20,000; and scrapping energy levies and Net Zero.

Tim O'Rourke | Social Democratic Party

Tim O'Rourke, Social Democratic Party parliamentary candidate for Hazel Grove (Image supplied)

 "Hazel Grove is close to where I live, and I have many friends there and have spent a lot of time in the constituency.

"The SDP's New Declaration [...] is for me the ideal mix of left wing economics combined with a great respect for pride in our country and the need for a strong sovereign state and control of our borders. 

"The laws that govern us are made by people we can ultimately remove at the ballot box should we need to.  

"I had also directly seen the effects of de-industrialisation, which is what happens when you don't care where you source goods from as long as you get the cheapest price."

Graham Reid | Green

Graham Reid, Green party candidate for Hazel Grove (Image supplied)

"I would contend that by far the most important issue that needs to be dealt with by the next government is Climate Change and other damage to the environment such as plastic pollution, deforestation and overfishing.  

"Nature provides us with everything we need yet we take it for granted. Our ignorant behaviour is now yielding consequences such as flooding, wildfires and mountains of waste. 

"We need to alter our whole lifestyle so that it is sustainable. This will provide us with a sound basis from which we will be able to deal with our other problems."

Lisa Smart | Liberal Democrats

Lisa Smart, Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Hazel Grove (Image supplied)

"I live in Romiley with my partner Ed, and our rescue dog Bonnie. I care deeply about Hazel Grove Constituency and its people, volunteering locally as a trustee for the New Horizons Canal Boat for disabled people and their carers in Marple, for the Woodley & Romiley Towpath Team, and being a trustee of the Barrack Hill Education Trust.

"My successful campaigns include securing Specialist Status for Stepping Hill Hospital, saving the Rose Hill to Manchester rail service, and improving road safety across the borough with a campaign to get 20mph speed limits for residential roads. Current campaigns include an additional site for Stepping Hill Hospital, and to clean up local rivers such as the Goyt from the very high levels of sewage dumping. 

"With only a five per cent swing needed to take the seat, I am the local candidate who can win the Hazel Grove constituency at the general election."

Claire Vibert | Labour

Claire Vibert, Labour parliamentary candidate for Hazel Grove (Image supplied)

"I'm proud to be standing to be the MP for my home constituency. I live here, and my three children are growing up here. I want the best for our area, and know that the next Labour Government will deliver for families here. 

"My priorities reflect the conversations I have on the doorstep every week: prioritising our public services, and making sure residents here see the benefit of Labour's plans to invest in our NHS, delivering 40,000 more evening and weekend appointments a week; and in our schools, with the recruitment of 6,500 new teachers.

"I'll protect our valuable green spaces, and prioritise safe and thriving communities. And I'll work with Andy Burnham to improve our public transport.

"I know voters in Hazel Grove are ready for a Labour government - and a Labour MP that can deliver."