Macclesfield's Labour parliamentary candidate has thrown down the gauntlet for a cross-party public debate ahead of the general elections.
Dr Adrian Heald said Maxonians should have the opportunity to meet all their representatives in a public arena.
He said: "The reality is that this election is a very, very important one. It’s going to determine the course that Government takes over the next decade. Many people in Macclesfield are still undecided, we need a forum where candidates can put their positions forward in a way that gives people the opportunity to question back. We need to be engaging voters who have become disillusioned with politics and politicians."
Brendan Murphy said he would ‘relish’ the opportunity for a public debate and it will be good for local democracy.
He said: "I would more than relish it. We don’t have public meetings as much because everything is on television now, but I can remember the first one I ever went to, everyone was booing and cheering, it was such an atmosphere. I’m not saying it will be quite like that, but people can sit back and judge for themselves."
Roger Barlow, the Liberal Democrat candidate, added: "Bring it on! I would absolutely be up for it. It would be good for the candidates and it would be good for the voters. I’m always happy for the opportunity to talk with people, it would be good for local and national elections."
The Green Party’s John Knight and Conservative candidate David Rutley said they would also consider participating.
David Rutley said: "I would seriously consider participating in a public meeting with other candidates. We would need to see how it would fit in with our active campaign plan of holding surgeries and Conservative public meetings across the constituency."
Dr Heald suggested there should be two independent public hustings, one held for younger voters and a second for all members of the public. The General Election in Macclesfield will see four candidates, each representing different political parties, compete to represent the borough in Parliament.
Sir Nicholas Winterton MP has represented Macclesfield since 1971, but last year announced he would not be standing again.
Dr Heald also vowed to keep Macclesfield Hospital safe from closure if he is elected.
