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

Here, the Labour candidate for Tottenham David Lammy sets out why you should vote for him.

I was born and bred in Tottenham over 40 years ago and have been proud to serve as your Labour Member of Parliament for the past 15 years.  Since the last election, I have fought hard on the issues that most matter to people here in Tottenham.

Protecting the NHS, calling for urgent action to tackle the housing crisis crippling our communities and campaigning for a decent living wage for hard-working people will continue to be my core priorities.

The choice at this election is between the Tories’ failing programme of austerity and Labour's plan that puts people before profits. Under this coalition of Tories & Lib Dems, we have seen rents sky-rocket in Haringey by more than 20% in the last two years; GP waiting times soar and food bank use increase by more than 2000 per cent.

People in Tottenham and indeed across the UK cannot take five more years of Tory rule. Only a Labour will protect our public services and tackling the cost of living crisis faced by Tottenham residents.

My Core Pledges to you are:  I will continue to stand up for Tottenham in Westminster, as I have done over the past 15 years and when the riots hit our streets in 2011.  I will continue to lead the campaign calling for the introduction of rent controls and longer fixed term tenancies in order to protect renters.

I will fight for our NHS, 'for people, not profit', to ensure we all have access to the first rate healthcare Tottenham residents deserve.

I will continue to fight to ensure Tottenham has the police numbers it needs to keep our streets safe and secure.  I will continue to campaign to ensure Tottenham's young people have access to quality education and real training opportunities.  I hope I can count on your vote on May 7.