What would you bring to the role of MEP?
Fiona Bruce: I would work hard to connect with voters in the North West so that they know me by name as their MEP candidate, and if elected, as their MEP. I would fight for a reduction in EU regulations which burden British business, better value and accountability for taxpayers’ money spent by the EU, a fairer share of EU funds for North West areas and a better deal for our rural communities. I have evidenced from the way in which I have worked over the past twenty five years that I am committed to making a positive difference in people’s lives.
Alexander Williams: As an MEP, I would seek a far better deal for the taxpayers of the North-West - it’s a disgrace that only £4 out of every £10 that we give to the EU is spent in the UK. Too much of our taxpayers money is wasted and too many of our law making powers have been signed away – I will fight to get them back
Peter Wilding: I was born and brought up in the area, I have 25 years campaigning experience, stood for Parliament, specialised in European law as a solicitor and am now head of the party's media operation in Brussels.
Why have you chosen to stand for the North West?
Fiona Bruce: I am a North West person! I grew up mainly in Burnley, where my family comes from, and later in Liverpool. After studying at Manchester University and Chester Law College I qualified as a solicitor and have practised for the whole of my working life in the North West – firstly in Manchester and in Warrington since 1990, after marrying my husband who comes from the town. I have set up a successful law firm and developed this over the last fifteen years in Warrington where I am now a Councillor and Executive Member. We now live, with our two sons, in rural Cheshire – and so I can fairly claim to have a broad depth of understanding of town, city and country life across virtually the whole of the North West region!
Alexander Williams: I live and work in the North-West, where generations of my family grew up before me. I have a long history of successful campaigning for our party in the region and currently serve as an Executive Councillor in Trafford (the only Metropolitan Authority in the region in outright Conservative control). In 2005 I stood in the General Election in Bury South.
Peter Wilding: Because I come from there.
