After thirteen years of government, British political history would suggest change is inevitable this week. However, David Cameron’s Conservatives have fundamentally failed to present any kind of vision for real change. In fact, by consistently repeating a substance-free mantra of “change”, they have leant credence to the Liberal Democrats, who have genuinely changed the face of elections, if not necessarily their results. So, look again at Labour in government and, faced with the possibility of Cameron standing outside Number 10 on Friday, consider Labour’s achievements. These are the reasons why I am proud to be standing for Labour on Thursday.

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Listen to all candidates live on BBC Radio Wiltshire from 6pm today (Tuesday), or listen online or later on via the iPlayer. Why not call in with a question!

Nick Clegg is leaning towards offering support to the Conservative Party after a series of interviews over the weekend appeared to rule out working with Labour. From the perspective of many voters in Chippenham, I am sure this news will be received with great dismay. I have been impressed and humbled with the depth and breadth of Labour support in what is traditionally seen as a challenging area for the party, however, the issue of tactical voting does crop up regularly. I know some lifelong Labour supporters who will vote Lib Dem to stop the Conservatives taking the seat. However, if voting Lib Dem means propping up a Tory administration, many of these voters will quickly abandon the Lib Dem cause.

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Last night in Chippenham’s beautiful St Andrew’s Church, five candidates were challenged on a wide range of issues at an important hustings event. Important primarily because it showed that there are enormous differences between the candidates and that local voters have a genuine choice on 6 May.

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They say a week is a long time in politics, but a complete u-turn in one day surely marks some kind of record, even for a Tory. Compare if you will this comment from Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones made on 19 April on his web site: “I am determined to keep my campaign in Chippenham clean and gentlemanly. I very much wish everyone else had the same idea.” with this statement (1.49pm) made at a Lib Dem event on 20 April: “We don’t want the Liberal Democrats to think they can swan in here and claim their territory. I want them to know that in Chippenham there’s a fight on. We’re not going to do it like the London boys where everybody has got to be nice.” Showing the kind of consistency your leader would be proud of Wilfred.

Tomorrow (Tuesday 20th) is the final day to register to vote. It’s vital that you have returned your application by then, otherwise you won’t be able to vote at the General Election. Visit “About My Vote” for all the info you need.

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Although I strongly recommend it, I understand you may not have time to read the complete manifesto. Take a look at this quick video which summarises our ambitious plans for Britain.

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I doubt there is a candidate in the land who for a brief moment, faced with an abusive comment or a personal attack, hasn’t questioned their reasons for standing. Fighting in a difficult seat with minimal resources, these moments might happen more often. However, my experience this morning has crystalised in my mind why I am representing the Labour Party and why the fight is so important.

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I appeared on the BBC Politics Show live debate on Sunday, discussing issues from people across the region. It was a tough challenge, but I think the differences between the parties was very clear. Unfortunately, the Conservative candidate in Chippenham either refused to take part, or was told by party head office not to be involved. This is becoming a theme in this election – money, a tidal wave of leaflets and lots of shouting from Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones, but when it comes to answering serious questions from real people, he’s impossible to find. I encourage everyone who does come across him to go armed with a question – something that really matters to you – and request a response. This is the only way to judge if he is the representative you need or deserve.

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The Conservative campaign in Chippenham launched yesterday with a staggering attack by Tory grandee Lord King on politicians with “no practical experience of anything other than politics” and suggested this is something that can lead to the country paying “a very heavy price”. Unquestionably, a politician of Lord King’s experience was aware that David Cameron managed seven years in public relations for a TV company before becoming a full-time politician, while his right hand man George Osborne racked up precisely no experience of the world of work before entering politics with the Conservatives.

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