THE long-term future of Herefordshire depends on a thriving economy, with good jobs, high employment and decent levels of pay.

Only with these things can we support the local public services we need. Unemployment in my constituency has fallen by nearly two-thirds since 2010. But economic activity is too low, and so are wages and incomes. So getting our economy moving must be a priority.

Since 2010 I have helped to win the new Enterprise Zone at Rotherwas; secure £15 million in new investment for fast broadband; and pull in £3.5 million to fix potholes. And Bill Wiggin MP and I have successfully pressed for the freeze in fuel duty and the abolition of the cider tax and the beer duty escalator, among many other things.

For the rural economy, I have pushed for robust measures to tackle bovine TB, support rural post offices, improve the Common Agricultural Policy, enhance rural mobile telephone services, strengthen the supermarkets ombudsman and mitigate the effects of flooding.

I have also supported independent retailers, cafés, restaurants and pubs in Hereford and Ross-on-Wye through my Discover Hereford and Discover Ross competitions. And I have worked with the council to secure Vodafone 3G wireless coverage for Ewyas Harold. I have made the case for an Eastern Link Road and second river crossing to open up access to the Rotherwas Enterprise Zone and the eastern side of Hereford, while reducing congestion on Edgar Street. I have argued for a new Parkway Station at Rotherwas, and held three successful jobs fairs at the Shire Hall. I have also vigorously pushed for a university in Herefordshire, made the first donation and helped the project team raise money, recruit outstanding senior advisers and secure ministerial support.

These will remain my priorities if re-elected.