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Candidates go head to head on air


FOUR general election candidates standing in Worcester took part in a live debate on BBC Hereford and Worcester.

Jackie Alderson (Lib Dem), Mike Foster (Lab), Louis Stephen (Green), and Robin Walker (Con) all answered questions on the economy, the EU, bankers’ bonuses, the NHS, MPs’ expenses, the environment, and fox hunting. The law banning hunting was introduced by Mr Foster.

During the debate, Mr Stephen said the balance between the number of managers and nurses needed to be addressed while Ms Alderson said she wanted the NHS to be more “locally accountable” by introducing local boards.

Mr Walker said he did not think money was getting to the right places under the current system but Mr Foster said he thought Tory proposals to impose a pay freeze on all public sector workers, except for the one million lowest paid, would impact on nurse recruitment and could harm the economy.

The hour-long radio show, broadcast from Worcester’s Guildhall, included pre-recorded clips from Jack Bennett (UKIP), Andrew Christian-Brookes (Independent), Peter Nielsen (Independent) and Andrew Robinson (Pirate Party). Spencer Kirby (BNP) was not invited to take part.


Your Say Your Worcester

MrStJohns, St Johns Worcester says...
11:28am Thu 29 Apr 10

Amazing everyone else manages to say something about their parties own policies but all Mr foster can do is attack the Tories policy. Nice to see Jackie managed to find time to turn up for this debate. very kind

Bloke, Here says...
11:32am Thu 29 Apr 10

Is that...? Hang on... it can't be...
Is... is that Jackie Alderson?
I barely recognise her.

Tulstar, Worcester says...
11:51am Thu 29 Apr 10

I wouldn't get too excited - Jackie has probably just hired a stunt double.. Seeing as she seems to be doing everything in her power to stay away from debates at the moment!

MrStJohns, St Johns Worcester says...
11:53am Thu 29 Apr 10

it could also be a card cut-out, if it is they forgot to put her lib-dem rosette on her lapel. school boy error. is she even aware what party she's running with.

quests, Kempsey says...
12:57pm Thu 29 Apr 10

I am not a BNP supporter, but why was Spencer Tracey not invited? Is this the BBC (who are supossed to be impartial) bowing down to pressure from above?

Cromwell of Worcester, Worcester says...
3:27pm Thu 29 Apr 10

No UKIP, BNP, and other Independents or Parrot Party .And with a blow up doll of a Fib-Dem, sounds very much un-democratic set up .

Your sayYour Worcester

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TALKING HEADS: BBC Hereford and Worcester presenter Nathan Turvey, left, with local politicians Louis Stephen, Mike Foster, Jackie Alderson and Robin Walker, who took part in a radio debate. Buy this photo icon Buy this photo » TALKING HEADS: BBC Hereford and Worcester presenter Nathan Turvey, left, with local politicians Louis Stephen, Mike Foster, Jackie Alderson and Robin Walker, who took part in a radio debate.

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