9:00pm Wednesday 17th March 2010
By Tom Parkes
COLCHESTER’S MP has refused to take part in a public debate with political rivals until an election is called.
Lib Dem Bob Russell claimed it would be “inappropriate” to share the stage at Colchester Royal Grammar School with his Tory and Labour rivals, unless Parliament had been dissolved.
He said: “If no election has been called, it is a bit much to expect the MP for Colchester to take part in a debate with the people who want to take his job.
“However, once an election has been called, then I am not Colchester’s MP, I am a mere mortal like everyone else and would be happy to take part.”
Mr Russell was responding after Labour’s prospective parliamentary candidate, Jordan Newell, complained he had been “snubbed”.
The grammar school’s political society had written to Labour Colchester councillor Tim Young to ask if he wanted to join in the debate on March 31.
When Mr Young suggested Mr Newell would be a better choice, the school explained Mr Russell did not want to face his rival candidates in front of an audience.
Mr Newell said: “I am naturally disappointed Bob Russell feels unable to face up to the challange and debate with his political opponents in Colchester.
“These events are not staged for the benefit of Bob’s public image, but for people to question the candidates they will be able to vote for at the next general election.
“There have been numerous panel debates involving all the party candidates, however I have only been able to share a platform with Bob for one of these.”
North Essex Conservative MP Bernard Jenkin is taking part in the event. Prospective Tory candidate Will Quince, who has not been asked to go, said: “If I were to be invited, I would be delighted to attend.”
The general election is expected to take place on May 6, with Prime Minister Gordon Brown officially naming the date at the end of March, on or near the date when the grammar school debate will be.
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