With polling day for the 2024 General Election looming ever closer, Nub News is asking local candidates where they stand on key issues in Twickenham.

These articles will be published throughout the week to help keep voters informed before they reach the ballot box on Thursday 4 July.

Today, Wednesday 26 June, we asked the candidates their thoughts on the borough's shortage of affordable housing, and how they would help locals with the cost-of-living crisis if they were elected.

Jonathan Hulley – Conservatives

Affordable housing

"I'm a social housing lawyer and know what needs to be done to get new housing built, as that's my job. 

"The Lib Dem-controlled Richmond Council is the worst-performing house-building borough in London, they need to do much better, and if elected as the next MP for Twickenham, I will hold them to account for their NIMBYism."

Cost-of-living crisis

"Controlling inflation is the most important thing governments can do to protect living standards, and, significantly, it's back down to 2%, thanks to the government's tough choices. 

"However, we also need to rekindle competition and boost economic growth, as these are important factors in controlling living costs."

Alexander Starling – Reform

Affordable housing

"Having been a leaseholder with Richmond Housing Partnership (RHP) as our landlord, I have some specific experience of how I believe RHP could more efficiently deploy its resources to produce more, better and more cost-effective housing in the area.  

"Considering the national picture, an additional pressure on housing is an immigration system that allows those legal immigrants – who follow the rules – to languish in the system, while people-smugglers get away with bringing 'queue-jumpers' into the country, of course putting these individuals in huge danger during transit."

Cost-of-living crisis

"A key aspect of the Reform manifesto are the proposed changes to the taxation system, which will involve moving the income tax start point up to £20,000 per year. 

"This frees up to seven million people from paying Income Tax and saves every worker almost £1,500 per year. Basic Tax rate stays at 20-percent."

"A critical insurance against inflation is for the country to invest in energy security and not waste precious resources building unreliable energy production that requires additional (and hugely expensive) grid infrastructure upgrades."

Munira Wilson – Liberal Democrats

Affordable housing

"Everyone deserves a place to call home, which is why I've led the campaign – and changed the law – to make sure public sites like the former Teddington Police Station can be repurposed for community use, including affordable housing. 

"In Parliament I've consistently voted for measures to protect renters, and I support the Liberal Democrats' plans to create 150,000 social homes nationally."

Cost-of-living crisis

"I've worked closely with Richmond Council to make sure those in the greatest need continue to have support throughout the cost-of-living crisis, including putting pressure on the Chancellor to extend the Household Support Fund for low-income families. 

"But bringing people's daily expenses down also means tackling all aspects of our economy – from investing in green energy, making the tax system fairer, overhauling childcare and parental leave, and repairing our relationship with Europe."

Tomorrow, Thursday 27 June, the candidates will be discussing education and social care in Twickenham constituency.

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