For much of his professional working life, 43 year-old Matt Rodda's career has been associated with education, an area that will be high on his agenda if he becomes the MP for East Surrey. "I am very interested in education and other areas of public service," said Matt. "I got interested in politics because I was so impressed with the way the Labour government was improving standards in primary schools."

Matt, who lives in Reading with his wife and two primary school-age children, used to be a journalist for The Independent writing about education. More recently Matt has worked for the government and other organisations on education- related initiatives which has included leading a project for 'Million+', a government think-tank into the role and contribution of universities to the economy and society. Matt has also worked on the City Academies project that turns around schools that have had problems and helps them to flourish.

In 1999 Matt survived the Paddington rail crash, an event that made Matt think about what is really important in life. "I remember I felt incredibly grateful that I had been so lucky and it made me feel I wanted to make a contribution to the community," said Matt. "Three years ago I left the civil service to work in the voluntary sector for educational charities. I also wanted to become more active in politics. The real journey started with me being asked to stand for Labour, which was a real privilege. I want to put forward positive Labour policies - I think that it is important to invest in services such as education and not cut back, which is what the Conservatives would do. I believe it will be a very close election as people are thinking very seriously about what sort of government they want."

On a local level, Matt believes that concerns such as potholes are as a result of poor management by Surrey County Council.

"When I go out campaigning I hear a lot of complaints about local issues which I believe could be resolved through better management," said Matt. "I have been getting a very positive response and although East Surrey is currently a Tory seat there are a lot of Labour voters out there and many people who have not yet decided who they are going to vote for. I think that there will be a very good debate and the election will be right to the wire. The important thing is that everybody should get out and vote, even if they want to put 'none of the above'!