Election rivals earn ‘respect’ at hustings events
CANDIDATES standing in this week’s General Election had their chance to persuade Macclesfield voters to put a cross in their box.
The four would-be MPs for our constituency attended two separate hustings events ahead of polling day on Thursday, December 12.
Neil Christian (Lib Dem), James Booth (Green), David Rutley, (Conservative) and Neil Puttick (Labour) attended both to get grilled by the audience.
And politicians higher up the chain may be able to learn a thing or two from them, as all four candidates were praised for their ‘respectful’ conduct.
The first was specifically for under 30s in a bid to increase voter turnout for younger people and took place at Tytherington School, on Saturday. The other was at St Michael’s Church, Macclesfield Market Place, on Monday.
Candidates gave short presentations to state their case and this was followed by questions from the audience. Topics covered at the under 30s hustings included rights of the LGBTQ+ community, mental health support, the environment and Brexit.
Manny Botwe, Tytherington School headteacher and event organiser, said: “We were delighted that so many young people attended and took part in the debate. The candidates conducted themselves extremely well and were very respectful of each other.”
Sixth form student Sami Hatna, who attended, added: “It was really interesting. It was great to be able to ask questions of the candidates and find out about what they stand for.”
Both events were supported by Hope, the organisation of churches in north east Cheshire.
This General Election is seen by many as the most defining in a generation with Brexit and the climate high on the agenda.
Last time round David Rutley got most votes (28,595), followed by Neil Puttick (19,987), Richard Flowers (Lib Dem 3,350), James Booth (1,213) and Mark Johnson (Independent 1,162).
Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm.
BOOKMAKERS have ruled that Macclesfield is likely to remain Conservative - and put it as a very safe seat for the Tories.
According to Oddschecker Mr Rutley is largely priced at 1/100 to win, meaning betters win £1 for every £100 they stake (total £101). Neil Puttick is rated as a 16/1 chance for Labour, Lib Dem Neil Christian is 50/1 or higher depending on the bookmaker and the Green Party’s James Booth 100/1 or higher.