Chron gives Simpson 'edge' over Conservative and Labour rivals in local Leaders' debate

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 29th Apr 2010

Andrew Simpson: standing up for Northampton

Over 100 local people packed in to the County Ground last night to see all nine of Northampton North's would-be MPs face questions on their parties' manifestos and key challenges facing the town.

After two hours of heated debate, the Chron concluded that Liberal Democrat candidate, Andrew Simpson, had the 'edge' over both the Conservatives' Michael Ellis and Labour's Sally Keeble.

Andrew talked passionately of Northampton's need to attract inward investment and the implications of Liberal Democrat policies for hard-working local people.

Meanwhile, Conservative Michael Ellis was forced to flick through his party's pocket manifesto to double-check on Tory policy.

Doubts about Mr Ellis' commitment have dogged his campaign since he withdrew from the race in February 2008, only to be reinstated by Tory HQ. For more details, read the Chron's 2008 report:

http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/Tory-candidate-quits-election-race.3830471.jp

Topics raised in the debate included immigration, Afghanistan and affordable housing. To read the Chron's report, see:

http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/Northampton-North-candidates-face-public.6261397.jp

And for the Chron's commentary:

http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/Did-Lib-Dems-edge-compelling.6261399.jp

Thanks go to Assistant Editor, Richard Edmondson, for chairing the debate

Commenting after the debate, Andrew said:

"The Chron did a fantastic job putting on tonight's debate.

"It is important that hard-working voters have the chance to see each of their candidates first-hand and judge for themselves on the merits of their arguments.

"I'm pleased with the case I made tonight. I tried hard to spell out what Liberal Democrat policies would mean for local people, espeically those on low and middle-incomes.

"Equally importantly, I wanted to set out clearly what I think the challenges facing Northampton are, and how I would show the leadership the town needs to raise its game.

"I think what I had to say resounded with people tonight, including former supporters of the old parties.

"I'm a local candidate with a real stake in Northampton's future. I live here, I rely on local services and I have the energy and the experience to raise our profile nationally and help attract the public and private investment we need to thrive in the years ahead."

ENDS