The People’s Panel hits Bristol West

Bristol West got the Make Education Count treatment last week when a ‘People’s Panel’ of constituents quizzed the sitting MP (Stephen Williams, Lib Dem) and the hopefuls who are aiming to de-seat him at the next election.

Sitting MP Stephen Williams discusses education with youth and community activist Omari Cato

Candidates Nick Yarker (Conservative), Paul Smith (Labour) and Ricky Knight (Green) joined the current MP to meet a panel that included:

• Omari Cato – youth and community activist
• Liz Gorard – Primary school teacher at St George’s
• Joy Lambshead – ESOL lecturer at City of Bristol College
• Dr Colin Lazarus – Reading in Molecular Genetics at the University of Bristol
• Leigh-Anne Treadwell – a former student at Silai for Skills
• Simon Williams – adult learner at the Youth Education Service
• Caroldene Fergusson – youth and community worker

Labour candidate Paul Smith being quizzed by Caroldene Fergusson

UCU General Secretary Sally Hunt hosted this round of the speed dating with regional official Nova Gresham blowing the whistle to make sure everyone stayed within the rules.

Sally Hunt introduces the Make Education Count event in Bristol

You can see the photos from the event here: http://s848.photobucket.com/albums/ab43/Make_Education_Count/Bristol%20West%20Political%20Speed%20Dating/

A video of the event will be online soon.