Shildon residents were able to attend a General Election hustings on Monday evening, 13th April, after Rev David Tomlinson arranged for the Bishop Auckland constituency candidates to attend an election debate at St John’s Church.
Of the five candidates standing for election, four attended while the Lib Dem candidate sent apologies for being unable to be there.
A packed audience had the opportunity to submit questions to be asked of the candidates with ten of the 48 questions submitted being put to the prospective members on the evening.
Subjects from the floor included the rise of food banks; Britain’s place in the European Union; candidates’ knowledge of Shildon Alive; fears for the future of Bishop Auckland Hospital; immigration and the Bedroom Tax.
Young people from Sunnydale School were also interested to hear the candidates’ opinions on the UK’s Fair Trade policy.
Each candidate was able to give a personal statement in which they explained their local and national priorities.
The sitting MP, Helen Goodman (Lab), who had a 5,218 majority over the Conservative Party candidate at the last election, explained that her party wanted to raise living standards locally, provide more doctors and nurses and cut tuition fees and class sizes.
Thom Robinson (Green) stated that businesses now run the country rather than politicians. His party wants to re-nationalise the railways and build 500,000 new homes.
Chris Adams (Con) said he wanted to stand up for the area and build a better future for everyone.
Ryhs Burriss (Ukip) said his party’s priorities were immigration, schools, hospitals and roads, all of which he said were under pressure.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
