The Tottenham Independent has asked each parliamentary candidate why they should become an MP at the General Election on May 7.

Here, Labour candidate for Hornsey and Wood Green Catherine West sets out why you should vote for her.

Inequality in London is on the increase. Zero hours contracts and the intern syndrome are becoming the norm even for those with good degrees, and private sector housing costs are at an all time high.

The next parliament must address those concerns.

For a start, the minimum wage should go up, which will have a positive effect on the Labour market for graduates as well as those going straight from school into work. Secondly, forced zero-hours contracts should be banned to redress the balance, which currently is tipped against youngsters in the workplace, thirdly, for those who do not wish to go to university, more high quality apprenticeships are urgently need.

On housing, I am committed to addressing the out of control rental market by establishing certainty for renters so that three-year tenancies become the norm, instead of six-month. Rent increases must be in line with inflation so that only if wages go up, will rent follow. It is vital to outlaw letting agent fees where real estate companies regularly charge £300 per tenancy agreement. That must be stopped.

We are at a fork in the road.

Labour will :

• raise the minimum wage and ban damaging zero-hours contracts

• invest in our NHS and put people first not profit

• build more much-needed genuinely affordable housing and address the rampant private sector rental market.

The stakes couldn't be higher. On May 7, vote Labour to give the next generation some hope.