Editor’s Comment: Election hustings to test candidates credentials

Between now and May 7, the national media will devote thousands of hours to covering the campaign trail in an ‘election overload’ of information.

Voters this time are said to be more actively engaged, and social media will play a huge part in attracting the interest of younger voters too.

In this Harrogate and Knaresborough constituency, the Harrogate Advertiser has arranged an open forum meeting, for electors to quiz all five prospective parliamentary candidates. Already we have featured the views and biographies of all the candidates.

Unlike the national press, local newspapers like the Harrogate Advertiser are politically neutral.

We report the election news without fear or favour.

But it is our role to provide a forum and promote debate.

Which is why we are delighted to be hosting next Thursday’s general election hustings, and we welcome as many people as possible to quiz their candidates about the local and national issues that matter to them.