Did Lib Dems edge compelling debate?
Getting one politician to answer their phone is a pretty difficult job, so getting nine politicians in one room, sitting at the same table, at the same time, is a pretty difficult task.
When the Chron decided to host its own election debate for Northampton North we knew we were up against it. It was a huge challenge but we knew if we could pull it off it would provide the public with a groundbreaking opportunity to hear all their local candidates talking about the issues which mattered to them.
It was a nigh impossible task, but somehow, we did it.
Last night's debate at the County Ground saw the candidates from the three main political parties share the floor with six other parliamentary hopefuls, from the local fruit and veg seller, to the BNP to the Green party. This was democracy in action.
More than 100 members of the public turned up, getting the chance to grill those campaigning for their vote. Among the topics up for discussion were immigration, the economy, crime and recent political hot potatoes including Peppa Pig and yesterday's 'Bigot-gate' furore.
It was a lively debate, with all candidates given a minute to outline their views before being put on the spot by the audience. Occasionally tense, sometimes controversial, constantly engaging. This was a great way of hearing exactly what those who want our vote have to say on the issues that matter to us, not them.
Some of the smaller, fringe parties did themselves few favours and their political frailty was cruelly exposed for all to see, but some others – most notably Independent candidate Malcolm Mildren and The Christian Party's Timothy Webb – grew in stature as the evening wore on.
It was the three main parties who impressed most, with the Conservative's Michael Ellis, Labour's Sally Keeble and Lib Dem's Andrew Simpson all excelling at different times. It was a close call but, mirroring much of the national leadership debate reaction, it would appear that the Lib Dems edged it, albeit narrowly, from the Tories, with Labour in third. Northampton could prove an accurate barometer for the UK's political compass come May 6.
We move on to the debate for Northampton South on Friday, starting at 7pm at Sixfields Stadium.
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Tuesday 07 February 2012
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