Greater Manchester citizens will be putting their questions to representatives of five political parties at Manchester Cathedral on 16 March. The event, starting at 17.30 with drinks and refreshments, is the first of a number of People InSpired events being hosted by English cathedrals to offer people a safe space to talk politics in advance of the General Election. The event will be compered by popular BBC Radio Manchester broadcaster Mike Shaft.
At an earlier event on 9 February, a group of people from Greater Manchester discussed their concerns about Regionalism and Devolution, the Environment, Justice and Crime, Immigration and Europe, the Economy and the NHS. David Holgate, Canon for Theology and Mission at the Cathedral said, “People really enjoyed talking politics at the February event. People are hungry for opportunities for live political conversation. The March event will give people a chance to have face to face discussions with local party representatives.”
Borrowing the concept of speed dating, party representatives will spend ten minutes with a small group focused on one of the topics, before moving on to discuss questions on another topic with another group. The party representatives taking part are:
• Conservative Party: Lisa Cooke, Gen Election candidate for Stretford and Urmston;
• Green Party: Brian Candeland, Election Agent and Chair of Greens in the North West;
• Labour Party: Tony Lloyd, GM Police and Crime Commissioner;
• Liberal Democrat Party: Dominic Hardwick, candidate in the Didsbury East local election
• UK Independence Party: Seamus Martin: UKIP Gen Election candidate in Bury South
The event is open to all, but registration is required for catering and feedback purposes. To register your intention to take part, please email Canon David Holgate.
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