Seven candidates are contesting the South Dorset parliamentary seat. They are:

Simon Bowkett, Labour

Labour candidate Simon Bowkett has previously served as a councillor in Weymouth & Portland. He has spent over 20 years working in the Community Sector.

Website: simonbowkett.co.uk

Facebook: facebook.com/simonforsouthdorset

Twitter: @Simon_Bowkett

Jane Burnet, Green

Green candidate Jane Burnet taught A level geography at Weymouth College for ten years and has been teaching in a local secondary school since 2004. She has three grown up children and enjoys playing tennis and bridge, gardening and walking.

Website: janeburnet4southdorset.org.uk

Twitter: @JaneGreenParty

Richard Drax, Conservative

Conservative candidate Richard Drax has four children and his married to his wife Elsebet. He was a soldier for nine years before he became a journalist working in newspapers, radio and TV. He was selected as the Conservative parliamentary candidate for South Dorset in 2006.

Website: richarddrax.com

Andy Kirkwood, Movement for Active Democracy

The Movement for Active Democracy (M.A.D.) is an alternative British political party created by Andy Kirkwood, which first appeared in the 2010 election.

Website: http://www.voteforyourself.co.uk/

Howard Legg, Liberal Democrat

Liberal Democrat Howard Legg grew up in Portland & has lived in the constituency for many years. He has been a teacher, councillor and has twice served as mayor.

Website: http://southdorsetlibdems.mycouncillor.org.uk/

Twitter: @SWDorsetGreens

Malcolm Leonard Shakesby, Ukip

Malcolm Leonard Shakesby is standing as UKip candidate.

Mervyn Stewkesbury, Independent

Mervyn Stewkesbury is 81-years-old and still runs the business he started more than 40 years ago.

Website: mstewkesbury.com