Tuesday 16 March 2010

Bob Russell refuses to debate opponents

Just why is Bob Russell so scared of debating with his election opponents in the run up to the next election?

Thats the question many people are asking after Colchester's Lib Dem MP told a local school they could not invite Colchester's Labour Candidate, Jordan Newell, to an election hustings event at the end of the month.

While it would not be right for us to name the institution in question, Bob Russell has told them that he would only participate in their hustings on the condition of not going against those candidates looking to challenge him. This was apparently on the grounds that things could become too vicious and personal. As a result, Jordan has been barred from joining the panel.

Commenting on the matter, Jordan said:

"I am naturally disappointed that 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."

The people of Colchester, in this case first time voters, have a right to hear from the candidates who they will have the chance to vote for.
 
Bob Russell may feel he does not need to debate with other candidates until the campaign proper begins, but that did not stop him from joining Jordan and his Conservative opponent on the panel for a business leaders question time back in October.

Indeed, there have been numerous panel debates in the town over the past few months involving all the party political candidates, however Bob has chosen not to take part in most of these events.