Lib Dem Lynne Leads After Debate

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate Lynne Beaumont proved more popular than her rivals at a public debate in South Kent College.
Around 100 students attended the event to hear the candidates’ views on jobs, education and the future of Shepway. In a ballot after the debate, Ms Beaumont polled 66%, Conservative candidate Damian Collins 19% and Labour candidate Donald Worsley 15%.

Mr Collins did not explain why he thought Ms Beaumont polled most votes, but did say he thought it was ‘a very good debate and enjoyed meeting with the students.’

Labour Candidate Donald Worsley took heart from the result, reasoning that it was an improvement on Labour’s disastrous showing in recent county elections and could represent a fall in Conservative support.

Mr Worlsey also stated ‘the meeting Shepway has had a Conservative MP for the last 27years yet unemployment continues to go against the national trend, in a District in that time which has also seen a Lib Dem administration but not a Labour one.’

This is one of several events where all candidates will be speaking. The result is interesting as it goes against all expectations of an easy Conservative victory. However, at the moment this result is an aberration rather than a trend and Mr Collins is still clear favourite to win the seat.