General Election

Hustings

Download hustings guide

Christians in Politics has produced a video with clips from the leaders of the Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties along with an introduction from the Archbishop of York John Sentamu.  Churches holding hustings are being encouraged to show the video at the start of their events, and (right-click here to download).  Also available from Christians in Politics is a poster to help you advertise your event.

CARE are keeping a track of hustings taking place across the country on their election website

A list of sample questions for many different policy areas is available here, and go to the policy page to find out what each party has to say.

Steve Webb, Liberal Democrat MP for Northavon says, "Some of the liveliest debates that I take part in at election time are organised by the local churches. It is important for Christians to get informed and get involved at election time, and this is an excellent way for churches to reach out to people in their local area at the same time."

In the run up to the General Election many churches will be holding public meetings, also known as hustings, to allow members of their congregations and the wider community an opportunity to ask questions to the candidates.

"The General Election is not just about choosing who runs the country; it is also about electing a local candidate to represent you in Parliament." Steve Webb goes on, "This is an opportunity for the church to bring together local people to quiz the candidates about their policies both for national government and the local area, and it may be the only opportunity that local people will have to listen to the candidates debating their views with each other."

To help your church organise a hustings the Evangelical Alliance has produced a simple guide to organising and running a public meeting during the election campaign. An important first step is to meet with other local churches to coordinate your activities across the constituency.

If you need any further advice please contact Daniel Webster: d.webster@eauk.org, 020 7207 2129