A POLITICAL tea party will see candidates for the upcoming election mingle with voters in Middlesbrough next week.

Organised by parent support organisation Mama Mates, the event will feature speakers from the Labour Party, the Conservatives and the Green Party, as well a union activist.

The “village tea party” will see those attending also enjoy vintage music and refreshments

The tea party - taking place on Monday, May 15 - has been organised in a bid to encourage engagement with politics while giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy vintage music and refreshments.

Organiser Lucy Marie Cuzzocrea said: “We are inviting guest speakers to discuss the upcoming general election, with a crash course on how to vote and why voting is so important for families in Teesside.

“We believe that our local people shouldn’t be ignored during elections – politics affects us all and we all deserve to feel involved and be informed enough to have the confidence to vote and make it count.

“We believe too many of our people are excluded from politics and we want to see them included, informed and excited about voting.”

The Middlesbrough Political Tea Party will take place from 5.30pm until 8.30pm at the TP Coffee House and Café on Gosford Street.

Speakers confirmed so far include Conservative candidates Chris Hobson and Jacob Young, Labour candidates Andy McDonald and Tracy Harvey, the Green Party’s Carl Martinez and Rachael Featherstone and union activist Claire Salmon.

Organisers are currently awaiting confirmation of attendance from the Liberal Democrats.

Admission is free or £6 for adults and £4.50 for children to include afternoon tea.

  • For more information or to book, email mamamates15@hotmail.com, visit Mamas Mates APUK on Facebook or call into the venue.