Voters are to have the opportunity to put their questions to the candidates standing for election in the South Dorset constituency, which includes Swanage, ahead of the UK General Election.
The event called a hustings, will take place on Wednesday 26th June 2024 at the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Victoria Avenue in Swanage and it’s open to all from 7.45 pm for an 8 pm start.
The last hustings for a general election was at the Emmanuel Baptist Church in November 2019, when there were five candidates
Eight candidates standing for election
All of the eight prospective MPs have been invited and the majority have already accepted the invitation.
The UK General Election will take place on Thursday 4th July 2024.
The candidates are:
- Matt Bell – Liberal Democrats
- Catherine Bennett – Green Party
- Richard Drax – The Conservative Party
- Lloyd Hatton – Labour Party
- Giovanna Elizabeth Lewis – Independent
- Rosie Frisby Morrell – Independent (Everyone is God)
- Joy Heather Wilson – Independent
- Morgan Tara Young – Reform UK
The Baptist church in Swanage is an ideal venue with the ability to film and livestream the event
“Reach out to the whole community”
Local resident and mother, Gemma Simmons, who is organising the evening, is urging everyone who wants to be more informed to come along. She said:
“I know many people aren’t sure or don’t know that much about the candidates, and for some young people it’s the first time they have been able to vote in a general election.
“It’s good for everyone to come to the hustings and find out more, whether you’re a seasoned voter or not.
“For those who can’t make it to the venue, the hustings will also be available to watch online after the event. So we’re hoping to reach out to the whole community by making it as accessible as possible.”
Ballott boxes will be distributed to every polling station in time for Thursday 4th July 2024
“Opportunity to listen”
People are being asked to submit questions in advance to Gemma that they’d like to ask the candidates.
A number, covering a range of topics, will be selected by the vicar of All Saints church, Jo Levasier, on an impartial basis.
Chairing the event will be Matthew Thom, a local accountant, who has lived in Swanage for nearly all his life.
He said:
“These hustings are essential as they allow the public to question prospective MPs on issues that matter to our area.
“It’s also an opportunity to listen to how each would represent us, by breaking down their pledges into benefits for the local community.
“I strongly recommend attending the hustings, and for anyone who has a question, to submit it in advance.”
Doors open at 7.45 pm for an 8 pm start on Wednesday 26th June 2024
Further information
- The hustings is at 7.45 pm for an 8 pm start on Wednesday 26th June 2024 at the Emmanuel Baptist Church, 160 Victoria Avenue, Swanage BH19 1AZ. Limited parking including Blue Badge spaces are available
- Questions must be submitted by 5 pm on Monday 24th June 2024 to Gemma Simmons via email gnasimmons@gmail.com
- The hustings will be recorded and available to view after the event
