General Election comes early to Tunbridge Wells

5.17.48pm GMT Tue 15th Mar 2005

Laura Murphy, "Ed had to field some difficult questions."

Students from Tunbridge Wells Girls Grammar School packed the assembly hall to hear candidates in the TWGGS and Skinners Mock General Election. Chaired by Lib Dem prospective parliamentary candidate, Laura Murphy, the mainly female audience heard from students representing the Lib Dem, Labour, Conservative, Green and UKIP parties.

Candidates put forward their party's policies to a packed hall

After each candidate had the opportunity of one minute to put across their party's principles the floor was opened up for questions. Ed Prior, the Lib Dem candidate fielded questions as diverse as student top up fees to CO2 emissions. The other candidates were equally taxed by some thought provoking questions. The vote in the mock General Election is to be held on 17 March, the same day as the Borough Council by-election.

Commenting on the event Laura Murphy said, "All the candidates rose to the occasion and even I would have had trouble answering some of the questions. Ed did particularly well and I wish him all the best of luck for Thursday."