Billericay Hustings

Three candidates attended the hustings: John Baron (Conservative), our MP; Mike Hibbs (Liberal Democrat); Alan Davies (Labour).  The decision was taken not to invite the BNP, and I'm not sure what happened to UKIP.  I would like to have seen them all.  I believe that not inviting the BNP is dangerous precedent and an attack on freedom of speech.  It didn't work with Sinn Féin for Margaret Thatcher, and it won't work now, it just lets them 'skulk in the shadows' as John Baron said, picking up disaffected unthinking voters.  My church disagrees, apparently the C of E synod has ruled that they are not allowed to be given a platform.  So they were not there to condemn themselves.

The debate was structured around some introductory pre-notified questions, and then questions submitted on entry by those attending, sorted into categories.  So here are some of the comments I recorded (it is not a transcript in any way):

About Yourselves
John: Started his career in the army, and entered politics with a desire to help people
Mike: Started as a sales assistant at a builders merchant and is now an architect, and entered politics because of the importance of community and to give people hope that things can improve.
Alan: Started at Marconi's, and is the only one of the candidates to have been born in the constituency.

Personal Passions
Alan: Stamp collecting, trainspotting (as a joke?), and his Christian faith.
John: Family, Politics
Mike: Sustainability, Young people

The questions from the floor followed:
NHS & Basildon Hospital
Mike: Too many managers. Some with over inflated salaries.  Reduce and re-invest the savings
John: Basildon Hospital is doing good work and improving, they have met their cleanliness tragets
Alan: Only has good things to say about the hospital, and reminded us that Labour created the NHS.

NHS Parking Fees
Alan: Opposed
John: Uncomfortable with the idea and wants to understand where the money goes
Mike: OK, so long as it doesn't disadvantage the poor or those in long term care.  Wanted to look at other ways to travel to the hospital.

Integrity
John: Has not always been in tune with his party, and is his 'own man'. There is a need for honesty in public service
Alan: His faith produces honesty and integrity.
Mike: Politics is the problem.  The Liberal Democrats make their policy at their conferences and it is agreed democratically.

Gordon Browns 'Bigot' comment
Alan: He apologised face-to-face immediately.  It can be forgotten.
Mike: He apologised face-to-face immediately. That's that!
John: It was an unfortunate word. Gives insights into the traits of the man.  Immigration is a real issue which must be addressed by politicians because it is a real concern for many people.
Alan: Responded by talking about the BNP.
Mike: less than 4% of non-British origin in this constituency.  The problem is we don't really know where the immigrants are as border controls have been abandoned.  Must ensure that the discussion is based on facts.

Education and the chance of getting a job at the end of it
Alan: Primary schools are at a reasonable level, spending has been doubled, training to 18 will be offered.
Mike: Phase out university tuition fees (when the economy can afford it).  Look at schooling outcomes and try to improve the areas with poor outcomes.
John: Voted against tuition fees.  Will give extra help to business to improve employment prospects.

The Equality Law and the problems it has caused for those of faith
Alan: Ask What Would Jesus Do?
John: Was involved in the defeat of the most invasive provisions of the bill.
Mike: Expressed concern over religious groups causing unrest.

What is the one thing that would make people vote for you?
Alan: Is a local and a Christian with a socialist voice.
John: Is dedicated to public service, helping people and improving government.
Mike: represents the best chance for real change in the way we are governed.

Did it change who I will vote for? - No, but:
It gave me a much greater insight into candidates, and their beliefs and motives.

Who won on the night?
John clearly 'won' on the presentation front.  He understood the issue behind the question, and knew how he would answer it.  He should have - he's had nine years of practice.


That was my first ever hustings - and a very interesting and stimulating evening it was.