Young professionals quiz Bristol politicians at General Election hustings

What is Bristol’s place in the national political landscape and how will local issues be addressed by the next government?

These were the questions central to a debate held this week for young professionals and business leaders from across the city ahead of the upcoming General Election.

With just over two weeks until votes are cast, the event co-organised by the Bristol Junior Chamber and the Bristol Initiative gave members of both organisations a chance to quiz politicians from across Bristol on the major issues ranging from business, employment and the economy to housing, education and skills.

Chaired by Victoria Matthews, Director of the Bristol Initiative, and held at the offices of Mercer in Redcliffe on Monday, 17 June, the 90-minute hustings event gave candidates and spokespeople from the main parties standing in the city the opportunity to respond to questions about their respective campaigns and was followed by networking.

The panel featured:

• Andrew Brown – Lib Dem candidate for Bristol South, Bristol City ward councillor for Hengrove and Whitchurch Park
• Rob Logan - Labour candidate for Thornbury and Yate, Bristol City ward councillor for Filwood
• Patrick McAllister - Green Bristol City Ward councillor for Hotwells and Harbourside
• Anthony New - Reform candidate for Bristol North East
• Samuel Williams - Conservative candidate for Bristol Central

Victoria Matthews, Director of the Bristol Initiative, said: “Having been announced so suddenly, this election has gathered the public’s attention and ramped up the political discussion on a range of matters we know are important to people in Bristol.

“It was great to have so many members from the Initiative and the BJC in attendance. A big thank you goes to our guests from the various political parties for interacting with the audience and speaking so openly on these really important issues.”

Emma Carter, President of the Bristol Junior Chamber, added: “With the world having seen so much change in the last five years, this will be a significant moment for young professionals, some of whom might not have voted before. As such, it was fantastic to see so many asking the big questions to the candidates and giving real consideration to how they vote on polling day”. To find out more about the Bristol Junior Chamber, visit bristoljuniorchamber.co.uk or email info@bristoljuniorchamber.co.uk.