The decision by Labour and Conservative candidates not to appear at a hustings event in Lichfield shows why electoral reform is needed, a rival has claimed.
Neither Chris Worsey nor Michael Fabricant appeared at the Speakers’ Corner event today (June 3).
Both said they had informed organisers they would not be able to attend several weeks ago, meaning only the Green Party’s Robert Pass and Lib Dem Paul Ray spoke at the event in Lichfield city centre earlier.
But Mr Pass said the decision by Labour and the Conservatives showed why change was needed in the entire electoral system.
Today was living proof that we need #electoralreform. Labour & Tory candidates might have bothered to turn up if it wasn't such a safe seat
— Robert Pass (@rob_pass_green) June 3, 2017
Mr Fabricant has spent the morning with Conservative supporters and councillors campaigning in Lichfield city centre before heading to Armitage and Handsacre.
Great atmosphere in #LichVegas this morning.
We painted #Lichfield Blue! pic.twitter.com/h2xdFYYI3x
— Michael Fabricant 🇬🇧🇮🇱🇺🇦 (@Mike_Fabricant) June 3, 2017
Mr Worsey told LichfieldLive other commitments had prevented him attending today’s event or the hustings at Wade Street Church last week, which featured the other three candidates.
“I made it clear I couldn’t make the dates, but unfortunately the organisers weren’t able to rearrange,” he said. “It’s a bit of a shame because I really enjoyed the debate at the cathedral last time round.”
But his Lib Dem rival questioned the decision not to attend either hustings event.
“There’s been no literature in Lichfield and Burntwood from Labour and they have not turned up to hustings,” Mr Ray said. “They’re not interested.”
