A PROSPECTIVE Parliamentary candidate for the Oxford West and Abingdon seat has defended her choice not to attend every General Election hustings event.

Conservative Nicola Blackwood said she had instead chosen to spend more time doorstepping and visiting public places.

It comes after she did not attend hustings at both Oxford Town Hall on February 26 and the Wesley Memorial Church on March 16.

Labour candidate Sally Copley – suggested she was “running scared”, adding: “I am not afraid to take on the other candidates at as many hustings as possible, because I know Labour’s policies and arguments are the best for the country and our area.”

Miss Blackwood said: “Like all the candidates, I’ll take part in several hustings in every area of my constituency before polling day, but I am aware that many local residents feel disengaged by the political process and will never attend a political meeting. I believe it’s essential candidates balance our time between making ourselves available for public meetings where we can be questioned by those who are more politically engaged, and going out into the community.”

Miss Blackwood, who revealed she had been battling with a rare genetic condition, also said she had attended a hustings with Age UK on February 6, and one at St Andrew’s Church, Linton Road, on March 15. 

Our top stories