A GENERAL Election hustings at Richmond School last night attracted a large audience as the seven hopefuls attempted to win over new voters – prompting some lively debate and even a few heckles.

The meeting involved opening statements from each of the candidates followed by questions submitted in advance from the floor, which ranged from opportunities for school leavers, foodbanks and climate change.

Comments from UKIP's Matthew Cooke thanking women for attending to listen to "seven men in suits" prompted heckles from women in the audience, one complaining of too few female questioners, with another responding by asking why she had not submitted her own.

Candidates from the main political parties – Rishi Sunak, Conservative; Mike Hill, Labour; Matthew Cooke, UKIP; John Harris, Liberal Democrat; and Leslie Rowe, Green - stuck mainly to the official line, while independents John Blackie and Robin Scott gave their views on a range of issues.

The first questioned was submitted by Richmond School student Megan Ryder, who asked who she should be persuaded to vote for in her first election, making reference to going to university, finding a job, and ultimately buying a house.

Mr Harris said the Lib Dems did the best they could with tuition fees while working with Conservatives, and promised new homes and a stable economy.

Mr Scott said not everyone should be going to university – he called for more apprenticeships and training on the job; while Mr Sunak said only big earners will have significant fee repayments after they leave university.

On a question about an in or out referendum on Europe, Mr Cooke said the future is better outside of the EU.

“We do not need a political union to trade with other countries,” he added.

On climate change, Mr Rowe said Greens would be investing in sustainable energy and phasing out fossil fuels.

He said: “We were the first to talk about this and will invest in flood defences and encourage low carbon initiatives.”

On foodbanks, all candidates praised Richmond’s Store House foodbank provided by the Influence Church. When asked if it should be the responsibility of the Government to step in, Mr Hill said it was a “disgrace” that people in this country should have to resort to the service.

He added: “We need to make sure they are never needed again.”

Asked about the future of the NHS, and particularly the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, Mr Blackie spoke about his track record of campaigning for its services and pledged to go further if he is elected.

He said: “I want to see national funding formulas changed. I will fight forever to get the funding we deserve.”