We asked Braintree's Conservative hopeful James Cleverly six questions, but only gave him 50 words to answer. These are the results:

1. What do think about the current Government-set house building targets in Braintree? If you don’t agree with them, how will you fight them?

The cost and availability of housing comes up a lot when I meet people, so building new homes is important. But we need to make sure that there is also an increase in the number of doctors, schools etc and the infrastructure that goes with it.

2. Apart from the NHS, what should be the government’s number one spending priority?

Good government isn't just about how much you spend but what you achieve. I want to see the fall in unemployment continue, economic growth continue and the fall in crime continue.

3. What personally sets you apart from the other candidates?

I've had a business career and have been in the reserve forces for over 20 years. I've worked with charities and schools and I hope to use this real world experience to fight for the people and businesses in Braintree.

4. Name a pledge you will fulfil, if elected, within 100 days.

If we have a Conservative government I will vote for the £8billion NHS funding package, that David Cameron has committed to.

5. What do you think is the biggest challenge Braintree will face over the next five years (house building aside)?

I prefer to think about the opportunities. Digital and transport infrastructure can help unlock the potential of the area, quality education will help our young people take advantage of the economic growth.

6. Is there a policy or piece of legislation YOU would personally propose if elected which is not in your party’s manifesto?

I'd like to create a scheme where teenagers and retirees work together and share their mutual experience. We sometimes overlook and underestimate both groups and they have so much that they could offer each other and society as a whole.

Oh and if you don't mind...ten quick questions

1. If I could give the younger me one piece of advice…do that California road trip before you and Susie have kids, you won't be able to afford it afterwards.

2. The first record I bought was…Prince Charming by Adam and the Ants.

3. My most embarrassing moment was…being seen by my very cool mates buying Prince Charming by Adam and the Ants!

4. The special talent I wish I had is…the ability to play a musical instrument.

5. My guilty pleasure is…lazy Sunday mornings. A lie-in, cooked breakfast, walking the dog then a day with the family.

6. My proudest moment was…passing off the square after getting my British army commission at Sandhurst.

7. What scares me is…the current situation in the Middle East.

8. If I had one day left to fulfil my bucket list I would…take a Ferrari around a race circuit and then have dinner with my family at Heston Blumenthal's restaurant the Fat Duck.

9. If I was stuck on a desert island (and my family were at home) I would be there with…Bear Grylls, he'd sort it out for both of us.

10. My most read book is…An Instance of the Fingerpost by Ian Pears.