The polls suggest the race to become Gravesham MP is the most tightly contested across News Shopper's patch. The candidates answered our questions.

News Shopper:

TANMANJEET SINGH DHESI (LABOUR)

Age? I am 36 years old.

Where do you live? I live in Gravesham with my wife and two children.

Where are you from originally? My family have lived in Gravesend since the 1960s. I was born in Berkshire, when my father worked in the Ford factory there, and we moved back to Gravesend to re-join our grandparents when I was two years old.

Why do you want to represent this constituency? I want to represent the local area I grew up in and help others.

What local policy are you most passionate about? I’m passionate about making sure local people are treated fairly, whether that be in housing, employment, business opportunities or simply ensuring that Gravesham is represented strongly at a national level. I will be on the side of local people, a strong local voice for Gravesham.

Describe yourself in 3 words: Compassionate, hard-working and community focused.

Who is your biggest hero? In recent history, my biggest hero is Nelson Mandela, for his compassion, leadership, perseverance and capacity to forgive (even his enemies).

What is your proudest moment? After marrying my wife and the birth of my two children - my proudest moment is being elected a councillor locally and becoming Mayor of Gravesham.

News Shopper:

SEAN MARRIOTT (UKIP)

Age? 48

Where do you live? Just next to the Gravesend Clock Tower.

Where are you from originally? I was born in Reading, and then our family moved around a lot. First to the USA, then to Wales, and then to London. I have also lived and worked overseas, including two years in Japan.

Why do you want to represent this constituency? Because we live here and it is important do what we can to ensure the community we live in, and our country in general, is the best we can make it, and if we carry on along our current path it won't be. We owe it to previous and future generations to change direction.

What local policy are you most passionate about? Planning - we need real local control over large scale building projects. UKIP's policy is to give local people control over planning, by giving them the final say on major planning decisions, such as out-of-town large-scale supermarket developments, wind turbines, incinerators, solar farms and major housing developments, through the use of binding local referenda. This is the best way to ensure that future planning proposals and decisions take into account the wishes and needs of the local community instead of merely paying lip service to such concerns, as is far too often the case under the current disastrous planning framework.

Describe yourself in 3 words: Happy, optimistic, passionate.

Who is your biggest hero? William Wilberforce / Jimi Hendrix.

What is your proudest moment? My joint proudest moments were the day my daughter (21 months old) and son (5 months old) were born and the moment I held them for the first time.

News Shopper:

MARK LINDOP (GREEN)

Age? 49

Where do you live? Fawkham

Where are you from originally? Gravesend 

Why do you want to represent this constituency? It my kinda town, I know it and the people, well.

What local policy are you most passionate about? The nearby London Paramount development.

Describe yourself in 3 words: Bloody nice bloke!

Who is your biggest hero? Anyone who really helps those in need.

What is your proudest moment? The birth of my daughters. Two moments.

ANNE-MARIE BUNTING (LIB DEM) Did not reply

ADAM HOLLOWAY (CONSERVATIVE) Did not reply

For your guide to the General Election in north Kent, click here.