TODAY, the Lancashire Telegraph is announcing it will hold its first general-election campaign debate, bringing Blackburn’s would-be MPs together in advance of the May 7 poll.

The newspaper is inviting you to come along and take part in the event at the town’s Thwaites Empire Theatre.

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Labour’s Kate Hollern, Conservative Bob Eastwood, Liberal Democrat Gordon Lishman and Ukip’s Dayle Taylor have agreed to attend and are raring to go.

All they now need is for you to come along, make up the audience, ask the questions and electrify the election campaign.

If you want to attend the traditional hustings from 7pm to 10pm on Tuesday April 7, tickets are available from the Lancashire Telegraph reception at our office on High Street or the Thwaites Empire Theatre box office.

Ticket holders who wish to pose a question to the four would-be successors to long-serving representative Jack Straw should email their contact details and area of interest to bill.jacobs@nqnw.co.uk.

Lancashire Telegraph editor Kevin Young said: “As we approach the most interesting and uncertain election in recent history, I am delighted to announce the first Lancashire Telegraph debate between the prospective MPs in Blackburn.

“They offer voters a range of age and experience as well as differing political viewpoints.

“This is the chance for ordinary residents of the town to put them on the spot and I hope to see a wide a range of local people at the Thwaites Theatre on April 7 — from the politically committed through to the undecided.”

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council leader Cllr Hollern said: “I am delighted that the Lancashire Telegraph has organised these hustings and I am very keen to take part.

“Hustings are a traditional way for the electorate to get to know the views of different candidates.”

Former Eastern Division police commander Mr Eastwood said: “I am delighted the Lancashire Telegraph has organised this debate and I am looking forward to taking part.

“This is a chance for all the prospective MPs to put forward their views on how they want to make Blackburn better.”

Mr Lishman — a former director general of Age Concern — said: “I am delighted to be invited to this debate and am looking forward to it.

“This is a chance for both the voters in the hall and those outside through the Lancashire Telegraph coverage to get a sense of their candidates and what we believe in.”

University of Chester student Mr Taylor said: “I am looking forward to taking part in this debate.

“I want to use it to show what Ukip stands for and believes, and bring a youth perspective to the debate.”

 

HOW TO GET YOUR TICKETS

TICKETS for the Lancashire Telegraph Question Time event in Blackburn are now available.

Tickets are free but, for the moment, will be limited to a maximum of four per person.

Depending on the response some may be available on the night, but to guarantee your attendance it is advisable to get a ticket in advance.

To get your tickets simply call in person to either the reception at the Lancashire Telegraph offices on High Street, Blackburn, or the box office at the Thwaites Empire Theatre on Aqueduct Road, Blackburn.

Seating will be unreserved and the event will start at 7.30pm on Tuesday, April 7, and it is anticipated it will run until around 10pm with an interval.

If you are attending the event and would be interested in asking the candidates a question, please email bill.jacobs@nqnw.co.uk with your contact details and area of interest.