The auditorium is already starting to fill up ahead of Glossopdale School’s High Peak Hustings, which will be chaired by Mr Daniel Peate. There’s set to be a wide range of questions posed to candidates, from the NHS, Brexit, educational policy and climate change. 
The candidates make their opening statements with a minute each. Already differing opinions on Brexit, but a big push on hyperlocal issues such as the Mottram Bypass and parking.
The first question posed regards the NHS and how each party proposes to “lift it back to where it belongs”. Hodgetts-Haley starts with a community focus and notes a centralised approach hasn’t worked and recognises illnesses caused by pollution.
Largan starts by saying that despite scaremongering, he would oppose privatisation and build two new urgent care centres at Stepping Hill and Tameside hospital.
Graves believes in continued investment and cutting waste. There should be no privatisation. “Your postcode shouldn’t determine healthcare.”
Lomax wishes to create a “healthy system” which isn’t abused with money not going to waste, with more urgent care, out of hours services and a need to attract staff from abroad and in the UK.
George wishes to invest in staff working for the NHS, and help the public stay well through free personal care, dental and social care.
Largan and George have clashed in debate over the possibility of the US having the NHS in a trade deal. Lomax has added that a number of nurses from the EU have left the UK due to feeling unwelcome. George adds the need for nurse bursaries and MH practitioners.
Largan adds that mental health should be treated the same as other health conditions and has added that the current Government has invested the sector over the next three years. Graves has said that Labour and Conservative use the NHS as a “political football.”
Climate change, and how each respective party would act, is the next question up for debate.
A spat between a member of the public and David Lomax has started after mention of the “hypocrital” bonfires held two weeks after HPBC announced a climate emergency.
Hodgetts-Haley highlights the large amount of traffic in Glossop as a huge issue and would invite drivers and members of the public to use other methods and incentives.
Largan has said that nuclear energy would be a clean use. Hodgetts-Haley challenges this view asking where we would hold nuclear waste, bringing up similar issues within the US.
Ruth George says the current government’s methods have come “too little, too late” when it comes to renewable energy.
A member of the public has been asked to leave after a number or outbursts.
George continues. She wishes to bring back subsidies and build eco-efficient new homes. She notes fuel poverty in the High Peak as an issue.
Lomax says it’s a shame that we have to import all wind power components from abroad and we don’t have our own industry.
Graves says we must lead other countries and come together as an example for climate change.
Hodgetts-Haley says the UK needs to focus on transitional green energy, converting our cars to be cleaner and more efficient for example: “We already have the technology.”
Educational policy is up next. A wide range of topics touched in the candidates statements. From OFSTED abolishment to improved apprenticeships, school investments, widened choice and special education needs.
We move on to individual questions. David Lomax is asked who Remain voters should vote for: he says “myself or Robert” (assumedly Hodgetts-Haley) in response to Guy Kiddey stepping down from the Lib Dem party.
Ruth George is asked in regards to how hate crime would be handled by Labour. She cites Labour hate crime laws, saying that as MP she has fought against hate crime, discussing local cases to police on both regional and national levels - including the party itself.
Largan says he is an independently minded moderate and that he does not agree with Boris Johnson and everything the Conservative party says in response to a question about Johnson’s refusal to release reports on Russian interference. He “doesn’t know” a reason why.
Graves says a real Brexit, essentially, is enacting the will of the people and leaving the EU.
Lomax, George and Hodgetts-Haley would Remain. Graves and Largan say they would Leave in regards to Brexit.
Further debate between candidates on how Brexit should be handled. Next question is on how parties will mend our divided country and political system.
Graves says you must implement the will of a democratic vote which would solve the issue. Lomax wishes to bring in Proportional Representation. Largan says there must be a functional majority government and achieve Brexit. George says we must reform our country first + wants PR.
Hodgetts-Haley says our current system, First Past The Post, disenfranchises voters and also supports PR.
Chair Mr Daniel Peate says that outbursts and allegations is representative of poor politics at present. He has asked for candidates to stick to policies.
