Robert Largan, Conservative Candidate for High Peak, was forced to leave Glossopdale Hustings as it was attended by "two individuals who are currently on bail and awaiting trial for harassment" against him.
Robert Largan's statement in full is below:
I am very sorry to report that I was forced to leave the Glossopdale Hustings early this evening.
Unfortunately, two individuals attended tonight's hustings who are currently on bail and awaiting trial for harassment against me.
As part of their bail conditions, I understand the two individuals are not permitted to go within 50 metres of me or several members of my staff.
Despite requests by the organisers and PCSOs, the two individuals refused to leave.
The organisers could not delay the event any longer. Clearly, I couldn't take part in an event with two individuals present who are awaiting trial for harassing me. Therefore, I had no choice but to leave the event.
I am really sorry that I wasn't able to take part in the hustings and answer your questions. We had a really great hustings in Chapel-en-le-Frith last night that was conducted in good spirits. I had been really looking forward to tonight's event too.
I was more than a little disappointed that the other candidates didn't feel able to stand in solidarity with me against harassment and intimidation, just two days after the anniversary of Jo Cox's murder.
The Green Party candidate even felt that it was appropriate to scold me for "making too big a deal of it."
Once again, I'm really sorry I couldn't take part in tonight's hustings. But I won't be intimidated. I will keep standing up for the High Peak!
https://twitter.com/robertlargan/status/1803149573311058002
