THE quest for votes is in full swing across York and North and East Yorkshire, as General Election candidates pound the streets.

The battle to win the new York Outer seat is already hotting up, with politicians from all parties knocking on doors throughout the constituency.

Conservative Julian Sturdy said: “Our plan within the first 72 hours of the election being called was to visit every community and village in York Outer, and it’s going very well.”

His Liberal Democrat rival, Madeleine Kirk, said: “The response I’ve had has been very positive and I’m getting a real buzz because people are genuinely showing an interest.”

Labour’s candidate, James Alexander, said: “The only way to stop the Tories, a party which prioritises the rich, is to get Labour MPs elected in seats like York Outer.”

In the new Selby and Ainsty seat, Tory Nigel Adams said the election announcement had created “a great feeling of optimism”, and said his campaign would focus on boosting the area’s job market by reopening empty shops and supporting manufacturing.

Meanwhile, Gordon Brown and David Cameron locked horns over National Insurance and spending plans in their final pre-election House of Commons clash.

The Tory leader turned his fire on the Prime Minister for saying businesses backing Conservative plans to reverse proposed National Insurance increases had been “deceived”.

But Mr Brown said the plans would mean funding for schools, the police and the NHS being secured.

Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg attacked both parties for “colluding” to block political reform, telling the Prime Minister: “It’s time to go.”