KRIS Hopkins has formally submitted has nomination papers as the Conservative parliamentary candidate for Keighley and Ilkley with a pledge to deliver more local jobs and continued economic growth if re-elected on Thursday, June 8.

Speaking outside Bradford City Hall, Mr Hopkins said he was not prepared to “stand by and allow a shambolic Labour Party to wreck all that has been achieved over the last seven years.”

He added: “When I was first given the privilege of representing my home seat in the House of Commons in 2010, the economy was number one on my list policy priorities. We have achieved a lot over the last seven years and the local economy will continue to remain my primary focus if I am re-elected.

“More than 1,000 new jobs have been created in Keighley and Ilkley in that time with youth unemployment falling by 60 per cent.

“With many more people now in work and paying their taxes, we have more money available to invest in the NHS, our schools and helping those in greatest need including our pensioners.

“Our country cannot afford to take the massive risk that would come with Jeremy Corbyn as Prime Minister and John McDonnell as Chancellor of the Exchequer.

“And the last thing Keighley and Ilkley residents need is a local Labour MP sent to Westminster to vote for a list of catastrophic economic policies that are guaranteed to take away all of the gains we have worked so hard to achieve since 2010.

“We live in an increasingly dangerous world. We need a government that will provide absolute support to our police, our intelligence agencies and our armed forces. Labour is not fit to be in charge of our nation’s security. Jeremy Corbyn is soft on terrorism, is opposed to Trident and wants to keep our borders open. I will work with colleagues at all levels of government and with the security services to keep our people safe.

“We also need a Conservative government that will deliver the best possible deal for our country as we leave the EU. Keighley and Ilkley needs an MP that has the ear of Theresa May and other senior ministers as the negotiations take place.

“Locally, I remain fully committed to the campaign for Keighley and Ilkley to break away from Bradford Council control and take charge of our own futures. Bradford-based Labour councillors will never give Keighley and Ilkley residents a fair deal.

“I will also continue to make clear that new houses in the district need to be sited on the many available brownfield sites close to Bradford city centre where there is greatest demand. There is no need for them to be built on greenfield sites in Keighley and Ilkley and I will resist this.

“I am honoured to be putting my name forward for re-election on Thursday 8 June when voters in Keighley and Ilkley will face a very stark choice.

“I offer a record of proven achievement on behalf of local people and a commitment to support a Conservative government delivering serious policies for a better future for all.

“I cannot stand by and allow a shambolic Labour Party to wreck all that has been achieved over the last seven years.

“I ask the people of Keighley and Ilkley for their support once again.”