Election Question Time for Gloucestershire pub

Politics is coming to the pub as a licensee in Gloucestershire is hosting pre-election Q&A sessions with the candidates in his constituency who can expect a grilling from the locals.

Tom Moran of The Courtfield Arms in Lower Lydbrook, Gloucestershire, said: "As a pub landlord I have recently observed the growing trend in political debate, especially in the run up to the general election. What is most prevalent in my pub is the general confusion and lack of knowledge of the local candidates and what they stand for."

To address the issue Moran has set up a series of evenings devoted to questioning the candidates from each of the main parties. "In order to regain the knowledge and trust to vote it was agreed that we would invite all the candidates for The Forest of Dean constituency to attend an open question and answers session in our function room," he said.

The timetable is April 20 - Bruce Hogan of The Labour Party, April 21 - Chris Coleman of The Liberal Democrats, April 28 - Tim Congdon of UKIP, and on April 29 - James Greenwood of The Green Party.

Noticeably absent is The Conservative Party candidate Mark Harper, who is the current MP for The Forest of Dean constituency. Moran said: "He appears to want to keep a low profile and has refused to take questions from his constituents on this occasion. This is particularly disappointing because as our current standing Member of Parliament, Mr Harper is probably the candidate that people were most eager to question."

Each of the events will have free entry and run on a first come first served basis beginning at 7.30pm with a maximum limit of 150 people.

"We feel this is an excellent opportunity to really get some face to face answers before you decide your vote, especially in the current climate of mistrust toward the majority of politicians," added Moran.