Political, Wimborne | Posted on July 3rd, 2024 | return to news
Mid Dorset and North Poole candidates get a grilling at hustings at Wimborne school
Queen Elizabeth’s School in Wimborne hosted a hustings on Monday evening giving the five candidates a chance to answer questions.
The five candidates standing in the Mid Dorset and North Poole constituency took questions at a hustings event held at Queen Elizabeth’s School in Wimborne on Monday evening.
Six students from the school volunteered to help with the evening, welcoming the candidates and members of the public.
The candidates are: Michael Tomlinson for the Conservative Party, Candice Johnson-Cole for Labour, Vikki Slade of the Liberal Democrats, Ben Pantling for the Green Party and John Dowling of the Social Democratic Party.
The event was chaired by the Rev Canon Andrew Rowland rector of Wimborne Minster church.
The evening was attended by 250 people who were all keen to hold the candidates to account.
There were some tense moments as members of the audience asked about difficult issues such as food banks, dental care, Ofsted, housing, climate and ecological change.
Four of the students commented.
Ellie said: “It was a good experience to understand more about what MPs and candidates do on their election campaign.”
Theo said: “An insightful and unique look into politics at a local level, experiencing democracy within our community.”
Leon said: “This was an event for our community. I have enjoyed the process and the respectful nature of the event.”
Harry said: “A great opportunity to see politics up close in the constituency. I was convinced by the candidates that we will be well presented in Westminster.”
Brian Boyes, interim headteacher at Queen Elizabeth’s School, said: “As a school we were delighted to be able to open our doors for the hustings event ahead of polling day on Thursday.
“Our students were very keen to get involved with the event and were a real credit to QE School in the way they helped us to host this event.
“We were very proud to see them engaging with the political process and asking some tough questions of the candidates.”
The school is part of Initio Learning Trust and Liz West, chief executive officer, said: “The trust was pleased to support the hustings event and I am very proud to see the QE students rise to the challenge of helping to host in such a mature way.
“This opportunity was a fantastic way for them to engage with the political process as they develop their knowledge and awareness.”
Please share post:
LATEST NEWS:
CHARITY OF THE YEAR
Subscribe to the online magazine news letter
