BRIDGWATER and West Somerset MP Ian Liddell-Grainger will continue his longstanding tradition of not taking part in public debates in the build up to the General Election.

Mr Liddell-Grainger has not partaken in hustings events since 2001 and said he will not be changing his position now, arguing his time is more efficiently spent knocking on the doors of constituents.

Asked whether he would be attending a hustings being held at Bridgwater's Somerset Coast YMCA, Mr Liddell-Grainger was unequivocal.

"No I will not be taking part in public debates. I haven't done them since 2001 and I won't be doing them this time.

"The problem is it is not like in Tom King's day where if he spoke at the Town Hall hundreds of people would attend.

"Now you might get 30 or 40 people, most of whom have already made their minds up before they arrive."

"I can cover more than that in the same time knocking on doors and speaking to people. I am often out 9am til 8pm doing this because I think it is what people want, and I think you get the most raw questions, whether it is about hospitals or coastal erosion. This gives people a chance to hold me to account in person."

However Liberal Democrat candidate for Bridgwater and West Somerset Marcus Kravis said he felt it was a shame that the MP would not be attending hustings and may have to be 'empty chaired'.

"I will be taking part in hustings, with an area the size of Bridgwater and West Somerset well-publicised hustings are an effective way of reaching more people as it is simply impossible to get out and speak to everyone individually," he said.

"I would welcome the opportunity to debate Ian Liddell-Grainger and think it is a shame he does not want to attend. I hope he will change his mind.

"I don't think it is a case that only those who have already decided attend hustings - I have had people say they were going to Conservative say they would vote Liberal Democrat after hearing our policies at public debates - I am sure it happens both ways but I do think hustings are a useful exercise."

Labour announced on Monday that Sedgemoor District Councillor Wes Hinckes will be its candidate for the Bridgwater and West Somerset seat.

Mr hinckes said: "I really encourage Mr Liddell-Grainger to step up and have some debate. I think we need a different kind of meeting and we need an MP who will get out to public meetings and find out what people want.

A Labour spokesman said: "Our candidate will be out at these debates, as we welcome the chance to meet voters and discuss issues with other candidates and the public.

"It is not a surprise the Tories want to hide Ian Liddell-Grainger, I guess their hope is that people will just vote for the blue rosette.

"We would welcome the opportunity to debate with Ian Liddell-Grainger in a public forum if only he was willing to put himself on the line."

The Green Party said it will be announcing its candidate for the election on Thursday, while The Mercury understands UKIP are still finalising their choice.

In Bridgwater hustings are being held at Somerset Coast YMCA on Thursday, June 1 at 7pm.

This will be a ticket only event, with questions to be submitted prior to the event, with the closing date for questions 1pm on Tuesday, May 30. Tickets will be available, free, from the YMCA Somerset Coast at George Williams Centre but numbers are limited to 60 on a first come first served basis.

Representatives of all the parties fielding a candidate in the 2017 General Election have been asked to attend, with each panellist given a short time to present their parties manifesto, followed by questions.

The hustings will be chaired by Grant Francis from Sedgemoor FM.