Hustings statement from Conservative candidate for Clacton, Giles Watling
I was approached a number of weeks ago to attend a hustings in the Clacton constituency, so that voters could rightfully ask questions of myself and other candidates and hear about our visions for this area. I agreed to do so, and looked forward to the opportunity to defend my local record of delivering, including over £43m for our local hospital and over £100m in funding to positively transform our constituency.
Regretfully this morning I have been informed that these hustings can no longer go ahead, on account of Mr Farage's team failing to respond to repeated requests to take part. The organisers feel it is now too late in the day to organise, promote, and host such an event, and do not wish to do so without Mr Farage's involvement. This comes as a disappointment to me, and I know it will do to residents across the Clacton constituency who sought answers to the political questions they might have.
It could not be clearer that this campaign is not about Mr Farage wanting to represent Clacton - he doesn't give two hoots about our constituency. This is all about Nigel, and his personal political ambitions - ambitions that he is using us as cannon fodder in order to achieve. As we know he was planning to work with Donald Trump until it seemed that that opportunity was fading, and now he seems intent on trying to blame NATO and Ukraine for Putin's horrendous ongoing war. Please see the independent NATO assessment on this. President Reagan, Mrs Thatcher and Churchill would no doubt be speechless at this most recent turn - although, I imagine, not for very long.
Voters deserve an MP who is here, who is involved, and who respects the public enough to engage with them. If Nigel can't even be bothered to spend one evening in our constituency to answer a few tough questions, it is beggars belief that he'll be here fighting for residents when they need it most.
Residents who wish to ask me questions or share their views are encouraged to email me giles@gileswatling.co.uk, or to come and meet me when I'm out and about delivering. I won't let someone else's reticence to engage with voters be a reason that I can't.
Update: 27th June. Mr Watling has issued a new statement regarding a proposed hustings scheduled for 1st July 2024. You can read the article here
https://twitter.com/GilesWatling/status/1805592929672610275
