Name: Gaynor Austin – Labour

What do you love about East Hampshire?

The beautiful countryside, of course, but also the local community groups full of amazing people trying to make the world a better place.

What do you think the biggest issue facing residents is?

Housing development; lack of affordability and supporting infrastructure.

In a sentence, why do you deserve the job?

Because the people of East Hampshire deserve a Member of Parliament who understands the struggles faced by ordinary working families, who will work hard in the community and who will stand up for all residents both inside and outside of Westminster.

What book or books should everyone read?

These two – The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists by Robert Tressell and Talking to My Daughter About the Economy by Yaris Varoufakis.

Where did you last go on holiday? Somerset.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? 

A teacher or a dancer.

When was the last time you used public transport?

I recently caught the train to Alton station where I was very conveniently picked up by newly elected East Hampshire Labour councillor Paula Langley, driving the fantastic community bus which she runs so that no one is left isolated by the cuts to services.

If someone wanted to eat out in East Hampshire, where would you recommend?

I don’t eat out often, but two of my favourite places are the Chocolate Frog Company in Oakhanger, Bordon, for lunch or afternoon tea and great shopping, and the Hen and Chicken Inn, Upper Froyle, Alton – very popular carvery, pizza and good beer.

What do you hope to get for Christmas?

A Labour Government! – or some perfume.

What do you do to switch off from politics? 

Go to the cinema or bake.