STUDENTS packed a university lecture room as they grilled prospective candidates ahead of this week’s general election.

Essex University hosted a hustings for the Harwich and North Essex constituency on Friday as education, fox hunting and the redistribution of wealth proved hot topics.

About 100 people packed out a lecture hall when Bernard Jenkin (Conservative), Sir Bob Russell (Lib Dem), Rosalind Scott (Labour) and Blake Roberts (Green) faced students anxious to quiz candidates.

Mr Roberts earnt the largest applause of the afternoon as he declared: “Ofsted should be abolished”, in response to Mr Jenkin’s claim nine out of ten schools across the country are now rated either “good” or “outstanding”.

Hosted in a university, education was always going to be a hot topic and the Conservative candidate was jeered as he gave his answer on the issue.

When questioned on possible cuts, Mr Jenkin said: “The new funding formula for schools will increase funding for those who are struggling.

“But no school will lose funding and the entire National Union of Teacher campaign is false, and these people have not read our manifesto.”

Mrs Scott was also met with applause as she stated as a member of the NUT that cuts must be reversed. She said: “Standards are not improved by testing, stress is the only thing increased by testing.”

The tone for Mr Jenkin’s afternoon was set when his opening remark that “the Conservatives are not an ideological party” was met with laughter from the audience, and the tone scarcely improved throughout, particularly when the matter of fox hunting was raised.

The Conservative candidate admitted he would vote to remove the ban, saying: “The act has not been a success, and is very expensive.

“The discussion about fox hunting takes away from more important issues surrounding this election.”

Unsurprisingly, the rest of the candidates condemned the proposal, and Mr Russell said: “In the 21st century, we should not even be discussing this matter.”

Mr Blake admitted the ban does not work, but insisted it must be strengthened rather than revoked, labelling fox hunting as disgusting and outdated.

The Green party candidate once again appealed to voters when student debt was questioned, although Mrs Scott was also applauded, while Mr Jenkin was criticised for stating: “University fees are liberating.”

Mr Blake called for outstanding university fees to be wiped clean while Mrs Scott said: “We are not achieving what we want from austerity.

“It is cruel and ineffective, we should be paying for the workforce we need for the future.”

Again Mr Jenkin proved unpopular when questioned on the redistribution of wealth, despite admitting he favoured redistribution.

He said: “If you want the rich to pay tax then you need to give them reasonable rates.

“When Labour punish the rich, it creates more poverty rather than less.”

While all parties supported a redistribution of wealth, Mrs Scott was applauded as she said: “I am only well if you are well.

“I am only okay, if everyone has enough.”

Another hot topic for students, all apart from the Conservative candidate called for a higher minimum wage, with Mrs Scott pledging £10 per hour and Mr Blake labelled £10 a minimum.

Mr Jenkin pointed to previous Conservative rises in the minimum wage, adding that extravagant claims will see “Labour crash the economy”.

Aaron Hammond (Ukip) and Stephen Todd (Christian People’s Alliance) were also invited to the event.