Matthew Collings Conservative

Over the past weeks and months, I have been on hundreds of doorsteps all over Newport East. People I talk to are deeply disillusioned with Labour. But they are pleased with my positive message on how the Conservatives would make their lives better.

The Conservatives are not promising anything which they cannot deliver. Reducing red tape for teachers, health professionals and the police is just common sense. The Conservatives are committed to maintaining frontline public services, but also to reforming and improving them.

People realise that throwing money at a problem doesn't solve it - it just wastes money. We have to stem the rising tide of tax increases -especially Council Tax, which is the single biggest worry which is constantly raised with me. People welcome the Conservatives' tough stance on law and order, a fair but firm approach on asylum and immigration, and refusal to be ruled by Europe.

I am also campaigning on vital local issues which Newport city council overlooks or fails to prioritise - local community facilities (like the Underwood Leisure Centre), meals-on-wheels, the state of the roads (especially in outlying areas like Langstone). Local Conservatives are astute in defence of local interests on development issues like Llanwern and the M4 relief road.

I will continue to meet as many constituents in person as I can, visiting places that matter to Newport East. I recently took the Conservative leader in the Welsh Assembly, Nick Bourne AM, to Alpha Steel in Newport. Alpha Steel plan to more than double production, and in so doing to create some 500 new jobs. We will help them overcome the bureaucracy which is currently delaying their exciting new plans.

From the Usk to Caldicot, people have made me very welcome on my travels - many in the outlying rural areas have said it is the first time they have ever been visited by any party! I strongly believe that the only way to find out people's real concerns, and what action we need to take to help them is to talk face-to-face. If I am hoping that people will vote for me, the least I can do is earn it.

The people of Newport East now have a credible alternative to Labour. Conservative policies will improve their lives. That is my simple message.