PROSPECTIVE parliamentary candidates from three main parties will go head-to-head in a debate in Hungerford tonight (Thursday).
Conservative MP for Newbury, Richard Benyon, will join prospective Labour candidate Hannah Cooper and prospective Liberal Democrat candidate David Rendel in a debate at Hungerford Corn Exchange, organised by the town’s Chamber of Commerce.
They have each been given questions in advance and will also be put on the spot in a free-for-all public question time at the end of the evening.
Mr Benyon said he was “very keen” to put across the urgency needed in boosting the country’s economy and his party’s policies to improve business.
“The economy of the Thames Valley in particular can be the one that drives the country out of the recession,” he said.
Labour’s prospective candidate, Hannah Cooper, said that she wanted to make people aware of their choices in the election.
“If people don’t want to vote, I would tell them to vote for their elderly neighbour or the person who has lost their job and is being supported by the Government.”
Prospective Liberal Democrat candidate David Rendel said that he thought people could be put off voting in the next general election, expected to be held in May.
“I think people have been put off politics by the expenses issue and think very much that they should not just vote for the same people again.”
There will be a few free tickets for the debate available on the door and the event will begin at 7pm at the Corn Exchange in the High Street.