Lively hustings calls for teamwork

VIEWS on a whether a democratically elected mayor for Plymouth would help the city thrive, VAT on education, and the future of Devonport Dockyard were among the subjects discussed at a business husting events held at Plymouth University.

- ALISON STEPHENSON

Held in collaboration with the Devon and Plymouth Chamber and chaired by Radio Exe’s Paul Nero, local businesses and students had the chance to quiz four candidates competing for seats in the Plymouth and South Devon areas.

Julian Brazil (Lib Dem, competing in South West Devon) said Plymouth should be one of the greatest cities in the country with its great natural assets, but it isn’t helped by the two-party system, where Labour and the Conservatives dominate politics.

In the South Hams, where he is leader of the district council, the Lib Dems had a significant majority but the executive committee is made up of all parties to make it more democratic, he said.

Stephen Horner (Reform UK, standing in South West Devon) said the revolving door of Plymouth politics does not work. He supports the idea of a democratically elected mayor if the right person gets the job. He said it is worth an experiment and in some areas of the country it has been successful in creating growth.