CANDIDATES standing in the general election will have the chance to speak about their careers and backgrounds at a series of events in Dursley.

Dursley Tabernacle has organised sessions aiming to find out about the lives of Stroud’s parliamentary candidates and what has brought them into politics.

Agreed speakers include Siobhan Baillie MP (Conservative), Peter Kennedy (Green), Simon Opher (Labour) and George James (Lib Dems).

Minister Simon Helme - who also leads at Rodborough Tabernacle - says he wants to ask candidates about themselves and what “makes them tick”. 

All sessions will be held at Dursley Tabernacle hosted by Minister Helme.

He said: “We in the churches are concerned at the low opinion and cynicism with which people hold politicians.

“So, we want to enable local parliamentary candidates to talk about themselves and what makes them tick and to have the opportunity to have open discussion with the electorate."

“I have been a church minister in Dursley for 23 years now and I have chaired the election hustings in the town on five occasions. 

Gazette Series: Dursley Tabernacle Church will host a series of meetings with Stroud parliamentary candidates Dursley Tabernacle Church will host a series of meetings with Stroud parliamentary candidates (Image: Dursley Tabernacle Church)

“They can be adversarial and a bit of a bear pit. 

“This is different before we get to the cut and thrust of the election campaign.

“In separate weeks I will interview each of the main political parliamentary candidates for about half an hour. 

“One at a time, one evening at a time. I will ask each one about their background and upbringing, education and any significant life events that have shaped them and made them the person they are now. 

“I will ask why they got into politics and what they hope to achieve. 

“After a short break we would then take questions and have open discussion with the audience.

“All the events are free and open to all.”

Sessions planned:

  • Siobhan Baillie MP’s (Conservative) session will start at 11am on Saturday, May 18
  • Peter Kennedy’s (Green) session will start at 7.30pm on Thursday, May 30 
  • Simon Opher’s (Labour) session will start at 7.30pm on Thursday, June 6 
  • George James’s (Lib Dems) session will start at 7.30pm on Thursday, June 13 

Gazette Series: Newsquest