Hustings Event Held To Allow Disabled People To Question Candidates

A hustings event was held on Friday to allow disabled people to ask questions of the Wrexham candidates ahead of the general election.

The event is organised by the SOUL group, which is a self advocacy group for adults with learning disabilities.

Candidates from all parties were invited and the event was attended by Lesley Griffiths (Labour), Mark Isherwood (Conservatives), Mabon Ap Gwynfor (Plaid), Jeanette Bassford-Barton (UKIP) unfortunately Alan Butterworth (Green) was unable to attend so sent a statement to which was read. Organisers tell us “Despite accepting the invitation Beryl Blackmore (Lib Dem’s) failed to attend”.

(All Wrexham and Clwyd South candidates and Wrexham.com election videos can be found here)

Further details have been provided by the organisers: “Prior to the candidates arriving Caryl-Mai Hughes the Outreach Engagement Officer from the Assembly spoke to the group about the election and the role of the National Assembly in Wales.

“The candidates had all agreed that throughout the hustings they would only talk about themselves and what their party would do, rather than ‘put down’ the other parties or candidates and refrain from using political jargon, whenever possible. The candidates all had time to address the audience before taking questions from the floor.

The candidates answered questions including:

• What they will do to help people with a disability get into work?
• How will they make sure North Wales get as much funding as the South?
• What are their parties plans for ILF?

Linton Gower from the SOUL group said: “We decided to organise this event because It is important that people with learning difficulties are able to take part in politics. Like everyone else they have just as much of a right to vote.”

Simon Cooke who facilitates the group said: “We are extremely grateful that the candidates gave up their time in what is an extremely busy time for them. Their commitment to this event demonstrates that people with a learning disability are equal citizens. Everybody who attended enjoyed the event and will now be able to make an informed choice when they vote on Thursday.”

The SOUL group meets every month and is facilitated by Dewis Centre for Independent Living who provide an advocacy service in Wrexham. For more details please contact Simon Cooke on 01978 799 370