With the General Election just around the corner, we’re speaking to candidates from different parties to find out how they’re preparing.
Today, we’re with Stephen Hammond, the Conservative MP for Wimbledon in south London.
PLMR Week Ahead in Westminster Video Podcast – Conservative MP Stephen Hammond from PLMR Ltd on Vimeo.
We ask Stephen:
How is this election different from ones you have fought in the past?
Stephen says it’s different because it’s almost impossible to tell who is going to win.
What is your campaign operation like?
According to Stephen, he is ‘very lucky’ to have a big group of activists and he is helping Tories in other seats with their campaigns too.
Do you find it difficult to divide your time between working as an MP and the election campaign?
Stephen says the answer is simple: work harder.
If you had to form a coalition with any party who would it be?
Stephen claims he has had no thoughts about entering a coalition this time around.
Two former Tories (Mark Reckless and Douglas Carswell) have defected from the party and have become Ukip MPs. Would you consider doing the same?
Stephen says he would consider it ‘when Hell freezes over’.
What is the key issue for voters at this election?
It’s the economy, according to Stephen, as it ‘underpins’ everything else. He says that with a strong economy you also have a strong health service and education system.
Listen to all our past podcasts here:
Other General Election 2015 Video Interviews
VIDEO: Interview with Jim Fitzpatrick, Labour MP for Poplar and Limehouse in East London
VIDEO: Interview with Andrew George, Liberal Democrat MP for St. Ives in Cornwall