Southport Lib Dem candidate John Wright ‘disappointed’ with Labour debate response

Southport Lib Dem candidate John Wright ‘disappointed’ with Labour debate response

New Southport Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate John Wright has voiced his disappointment with the response of his Labour counterpart to his challenge to a debate “anywhere, any time, on any issue”.

“I was pleased when I first saw the response, when she appeared to say ‘yes’” said John Wright. “I think it’s important that the public are able to judge the candidates on their individual merits, discussing the big issues of the day for Southport and for Britain”.

“But then I saw the condition she had placed upon the debate – that our Conservative MP had to be part of the proceedings too. Well I’d love that also, but it’s just not going to happen, certainly not this side of a general election. I think she knows that, so it has given her a perfect get-out clause. It’s disappointing”.

Mr Wright also welcomed Liz Savage’s call for “a new era of respect” in Southport politics, but said “I agree with her. Politics should be about ideas and ability, not name-calling; unfortunately some of her supporters don’t seem to have got the message, judging by the ongoing campaign of smears and disinformation that the Lib Dems are subject to”.

Mr Wright says that his offer to debate his opponents remains open. “ I still hope we can do it”, he says. “I’m sure the public would prefer that style of politics, a genuine contest of ideas, to the empty slogans and the photo-opportunities and the hiding behind party labels”.