Prospective Tory MP Sir Simon Clarke turns down local hustings event invite amid 'packed diary'

Conservative Sir Simon Clarke has cited a “packed diary” in rejecting an invite to a local hustings event ahead of next month’s General Election.

Sir Simon, who has a 11,626 majority in the Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland Parliamentary constituency, also suggested, based on his experience, the planned event in Guisborough would be poorly attended and comprise audience members who had “already formed their prior view”. Organisers had offered an alternative date in order to accommodate the former Tory cabinet minister, but to no avail.

Writing on Facebook, Labour candidate Luke Myer said Sir Simon was the “only candidate who hasn’t bothered to accept”. He added: “People deserve a fair debate.”

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Another candidate, Rod Liddle, of the Social Democratic Party, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “Simon Clarke is displaying precisely the arrogance, complacency and contempt to the electorate which will see the annihilation of his party.

“He has a chance to explain his party's policies to his voters. But he can't be bothered. He's probably going to be at home watching re-runs of Cash In The Attic.”

Asked to respond to the criticism, a spokesman for Sir Simon shared the reply he had given to hustings organiser, The Reverend Kevin Highfield. In it he stated: “As you can imagine my diary is absolutely packed out as I speak to hundreds of people every day across the whole constituency.

“With regret, it is my experience over three previous general elections that hustings events tend to be very poorly attended and almost exclusively by those who have already formed their prior view on the key questions. I have the utmost respect for what you are seeking to achieve, but will unfortunately be unable to attend.”

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Rev Highfield, who is part of the Methodist Church of Great Britain - Cleveland and Danby circuit, said: “I don’t know what his [Simon Clarke’s] past experience is, but this is an opportunity to provide a forum for them [the candidates] to get the word out.

“It is an exciting election, I think, and people need to start paying attention if they haven’t already. We will try to get all the different topics covered and try to get as many questions as we can asked.”

In election communications to party members, Labour has identified the Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland constituency as one of a number “on the frontline” in its efforts to form the next Government.

Sir Simon, meanwhile, last week received the backing of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson in his bid to retain the seat, after the latter released a short video singing his praises. Mr Johnson said he “passionately hoped” Mr Clarke would be re-elected and he had been a “crucial part” of the Levelling Up agenda on Teesside.

The hustings takes place at Guisborough Methodist Church on Wednesday between 7pm and 8.30pm. Other candidates due to attend are Liberal Democrat Jemma Joy and the Green Party’s Rowan McLaughlin.

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