Review street poll: 'Who would you vote for if the General Election was this week?'

The Review asked the people of St Albans about the key election issues and who they would vote for if the polling booths opened this week.

NHS employee Rob, 31, said: “I will most likely vote Labour. But I am voting strategically to swing the vote that way. I would vote for the Lib Dems but in this election they don’t have a hope. In power they have compromised too much and left their core ideals.

“Nick Clegg hasn’t done enough in the campaign so far to counter that.

"Both them and the Conservatives are pointing the finger at each other for what’s gone wrong and trying to take credit for what’s gone right.”

First time voter Alice Young, an 18-year-old Sixth Form student, said: “I’m leaning towards the Conservatives. I know a lot of people my age vote Labour but round here the Conservatives are more popular.

"I was impressed by the SNP woman in the leaders’ debate but obviously she’s not addressing our concerns.”

Tanya Lugli, 55, and her daughter Beatrice, 19 (both pictured below), are still making up their minds.

“I need to read more about the candidates, to be honest,” said Tanya.

“The biggest concern for my husband and I at the moment is education and university tuition fees.

"We have two daughters paying the increased fees and it is horrendous. So I’ll look at what the parties have to say about that.

“As the child of immigrants I appreciate the contribution they make to our society and that most of them are hard-working people who pay tax.

"My husband is Italian and Nigel Farage would probably want to deport him, so I won’t be voting for him. But I do think we need to stop people taking advantage of the benefits system,” she said.

Like many students, Beatrice is leaning towards the Green Party.

“I think I am voting for the Greens. They’re the only party whose policies I’ve read and I like what they stand for,” she said.

Tanya added: “I think I’m just scared of the idea of so much change. Students are more willing to take a risk on a new party.”

Peter Harris, 84 (pictured below), said: “I will probably vote Conservative because I always have, but there is not much about the politicians today to get excited about.

"I will be on holiday during the election and I might not even bother to vote by post.”

Christine, 70, was also not impressed by the candidates on offer, saying: “There’s no way I’m voting, I don’t have faith in any of them. Personally I think politicians are all tarred with the same brush. They make false promises and as soon as they get in power they don’t act on it.”

Her partner Peter, 67, said he would vote - but not with much enthusiasm.

He said: “I will probably vote for [Conservative candidate] Mrs Main, but only because I have eliminated all the other candidates and she is the best of a bad bunch. Some of them - well, you couldn’t print what I have to say about them!”

Airline pilot Stephen Orme, 29 (pictured below), said: “I will probably vote Labour but I need to wait to read all the parties’ manifestos. I liked what I read in the Labour manifesto. We should be spending more on the NHS.”

Helen Spincemaille, 20, has decided not to vote this year.

She said: “I would prefer to make an informed decision, not just vote for the sake of voting.

"Before an election there is so much that is said that is not meant so you have to work to find out the truth. Once I get to that point I’ll start voting.”

Retail Manager Philip Crawley, 29 (pictured below), said: “I am voting Conservative. They represent me better and they seem more sensible.

"My wife is Chinese and their immigration policies suit our family. They have done brilliant work with the economy and changing now will just mess that up.”

As the election looms ever closer, what are the key issues in St Albans you will be considering before you decide who to vote for? Leave your comments below.

If you are an undecided or first-time voter, the Review would like to speak to you. Email charlotte.ikonen@london.newsquest.co.uk with your contact details.