What is Bristol’s place in the national political landscape, and how will local issues be addressed by the next government? These and more pressing questions were at the heart of a lively debate held this week for young professionals and business leaders from across the city, ahead of the upcoming General Election.

With election day only weeks away, the hustings, organised by the Bristol Junior Chamber (BJC) and the Bristol Initiative, provided a platform for members to ask politicians from across Bristol questions on major issues ranging from business, employment, and the economy to housing, education, and skills.

Chaired by Victoria Matthews, Bristol Membership Director for Business West, the hustings took place at the offices of Mercer in Redcliffe on Monday, 17 June. The 90-minute event featured candidates and spokespeople from the main parties standing in the city, who responded to questions about their respective campaigns. The debate was followed by a networking session, allowing attendees to engage more informally with the candidates.

The panel included:

Andrew Brown – Lib Dem candidate for Bristol South and Bristol City ward councillor for Hengrove and Whitchurch Park

Rob Logan – Labour candidate for Thornbury and Yate and Bristol City ward councillor for Filwood

Patrick McAllister – Green Bristol City ward councillor for Hotwells and Harbourside

Anthony New – Reform candidate for Bristol North East

Samuel Williams – Conservative candidate for Bristol Central

Victoria Matthews said of the event, “Having been announced so suddenly, this election has captured the public’s attention and intensified political discussion on a range of issues that are vital to the people of Bristol. It was great to see so many members from the Initiative and the BJC in attendance. A big thank you to our guests from the various political parties for engaging with the audience and speaking so openly on these crucial issues.”

Emma Carter, President of the Bristol Junior Chamber, added, “With the world having seen so much change in the last five years, this will be a significant moment for young professionals, some of whom might not have voted before. It was fantastic to see so many asking the big questions to the candidates and giving real consideration to how they will vote on polling day.”

To find out more about the Bristol Junior Chamber, visit www.bristoljuniorchamber.co.uk or email info@bristoljuniorchamber.co.uk.