READERS are being given the chance to put their local candidates on the spot at a series of Echo-organised hustings events.

We will be running our own hustings in Parliamentary seats across south Essex, so voters can hear candidates from all the political parties explaining what they stand for and why they deserve to be elected.

Readers will have the opportunity to put their own questions to the candidates and hear their views on a range of important issues.

Echo editor Chris Hatton said: “This is your chance to make an informed decision on who to vote for in May, and to grill the candidates on the local issues in your area that matter to you.

“I’m delighted I’ll have the opportunity to host some of the hustings myself, and I look forward to seeing as many of our readers there as possible.”

The first meeting, on Tuesday, April 7, will bring together the candidates for Southend East at All Saints Church, in Sutton Road, Southend.

The following evening, it will be the turn of Castle Point’s Westminster hopefuls to face the voters, at Hadleigh Old Fire Station, in the High Street.

Thursday, April 9, will see the candidates for Southend West on the platform at St Saviour’s Church, in Kings Road, Westcliff.

All three sessions will start at 7.30pm.

Rayleigh and Wickford’s event will be staged at Sweyne Park School, in Sir Walter Raleigh Drive, Rayleigh, from 6.30pm on Friday, April 17.

The Echo is joining with the organisation, Churches Together, to host hustings meetings for candidates for the Basildon and Billericay and South Basildon and East Thurrock seats.

The South Basildon and East Thurrock candidates will face the voters in St Gabriel’s Church Centre, in Rectory Road, Pitsea, at 7.15pm on Monday, April 20.

Their Basildon and Billericay counterparts will meet the electorate at Billericay School, in School Road, at 10.15am on Monday, April 27.

Tim Blake, from Churches Together, said: “This year’s general election promises to be one of the most important we have seen for a generation.

“It is so important we understand what each of the candidates really stands for, so we can ensure decisions affecting the future of this district are in the hands of those whose values we share.”

  • To join the audience at the Castle Point event, email chloe.chapman@nqe.com
  • To book a place at the Southend East or Southend West meetings, email ian.burbidge@nqe.com
  • If you have a question you would like to ask at one of the meetings, send it it with your email.

Places at the Basildon and Billericay, Rayleigh and Wickford, and South Basildon and East Thurrock hustings cannot be reserved, so anyone hoping to get in is advised to arrive early.