The Lead hosts general election hustings in Preston

The Lead's latest hustings saw candidates from the major parties clash on healthcare, education, child poverty and more in a live debate.

Hosted at the University of Central Lancashire's Mitchell and Kenyon Theatre, the general election hustings for Preston - currently held by Labour - saw around 100 people from across the city's communities hear from those seeking election.

The city has 10 candidates standing in total and six of the candidates joined the debate on Monday night which was chaired by the Lancashire Post's Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Faulkner, who also grilled candidates on their pledges and priorities if elected as the MP for Preston.

Key moments included the independent candidate, Michael Lavalette, refusing to denounce Hamas as a terrorist organisation - something all five other candidates present did.

Sir Mark Hendrick, the incumbent candidate, defended his record as an MP stretching back two decades and was grilled by an audience member on his voting record in relation to the Iraq war and also the recent Gaza motions in Autumn last year.

Candidates also gave their views on the future of a new hospital site for Preston - currently earmarked to be over the border in South Ribble - with Conservative candidate Trevor Hart telling the audience about his recent battle with cancer and the needs for ensuring whatever location provided has to be easily accessible by car and public transport.

Sir Mark explained while it was being badged as a 'new hospital' the facilities at the current Royal Preston and Chorley would be gradually transitioned and many might actually remain there too.

Also participating in the debate were David Brooks from Alliance for Democracy and Freedom, Neil Darby from Liberal Democrats and Joseph O'Meachair from Rejoin EU.

Green party candidate Izzy Metcalf-Reiner and independent candidate Yousuf Bhailok could not attend and had recorded introductory messages played to the audience - and offer that was made to all candidates who couldn't attend.

The UKIP and Reform candidates did not attend.

The hustings was organised by The Lancashire Lead/The Lead in conjunction with The Lancashire Post and Blog Preston.

Senior Editor (North) for The Lead, Luke Beardsworth, said: “The Lancashire Lead’s hustings event, with Blog Preston and the Lancashire Post, offered members of the public the chance to engage with democracy at a level not every area will get. 

“Nobody was given an easy time by the audience and it was good to see constructive debate whenever challenging questions were asked. 

“It was great to see local media working together to put the event on and hopefully that’s something we can continue to do.”

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