A FORMER Thornbury and Yate MP has spoken out after it was revealed he cannot attend two upcoming public debates ahead of the General Election. 

Conservative parliamentary candidate Luke Hall - who is running to become MP again - will not be present at two separate upcoming husting events. 

One debate is due to take place at Thornbury Baptist Church on Saturday, June 22 while the other is at Chipping Sodbury Baptist Church on Wednesday, June 26.

Mr Hall has told the Gazette he cannot attend both events due other “campaign commitments”.

However, organisers say all the other parliamentary candidates are due to attend.

Other candidates confirmed to attend include Claire Young (Liberal Democrats), Rob Logan (Labour), Alexandra Jenner-Fust (Green), and Andy Banwell (Reform UK).

When approached for comment, Mr Hall said: "I am fighting to protect our green spaces, deliver Thornbury Health Centre, put more police on our streets locally and further improve local transport. 

“I am spending every day between now and the election making that case on the doorsteps.

"If re-elected as our local MP, we can continue with the progress we are making together."

Public debates are due be held in Thornbury and Chipping Sodbury (Image: Google Maps)

A hustings is a type of meeting where election candidates debate policies and answer questions from the audience. 

They provide voters with an opportunity to hear directly the views of candidates or the parties they represent. 

A YouGov poll suggests the Thornbury and Yate constituency is currently leaning towards the Liberal Democrats.

Both debates have been organised by Churches Together. 

To ask a question at the Chipping Sodbury debate - email yatequestiontime@gmail.com by Wednesday, June 19. It will start at 7.30pm.

To ask a question at the Thornbury debate - email thornburyelection2024@gmail.com

Organisers for the Thornbury debate have also urged attendees to book seats through the email (numbers limited).

The Thornbury debate will also be live streamed online. It will start at 7.30pm.

 MP hopefuls for Thornbury and Yate include Luke Hall (Conservative), Alex Jenner-Fust (Green), Claire Young (Lib Dem), Andrew Banwell (Reform) and Rob Logan (Labour) (Image: UGC)
A YouGov poll suggests the Thornbury and Yate constituency is leaning towards the Liberal Democrats (Image: YouGov)