North West Hampshire candidates at Tadley hustings

Parliamentary candidates addressed the residents as they discussed their policies and aspirations ahead of the general election.

The event featured six candidates: Kit Malthouse (Conservative), Andy Fitchet (Labour), Luigi Gregori (Liberal Democrats), Phil Heath (Hampshire Independents), Andrew Meacham (Reform UK), and Hina West (Green Party).

Each candidate was given two minutes to introduce themselves before responding to six pre-submitted questions from the audience.

READ MORE: North West Hampshire constituency husting in Tadley

The questions covered critical topics including health and social care, the environment, and education.

Mr Malthouse, the incumbent Conservative MP, highlighted his achievements over the past nine years in his opening remark.

He said: "I listened carefully to what this constituency needed. In the last election, I made six pledges in my personal manifesto and I’m pleased to say I have delivered all six.

Kit Malthouse MP is contesting again from North West Hampshire (Image: Newsquest)

"What I have done over the last nine years is say what I do and then do what I say.

"I understand that people are frustrated and angry about how the last couple of years have gone, and the frustration is completely understandable. But I hope you understand the prospect of registering a protest vote devalues the experience I offer to this constituency."

Labour's Mr Fitchet shared his personal connection to the constituency and outlined Labour's plans.

Labour's Andy Fitchet (Image: Newsquest)

"The reason I’m standing here is because this is my home too. Our prosperity is personal to me," Mr Fitchet said.

He also highlighted Labour's five big missions, including securing the highest sustained growth in the G7, getting the NHS back on its feet, moving to fully green energy by 2030, tackling anti-social behaviour, and breaking down barriers to opportunity.

LibDem's Mr Gregori, an Army veteran and local councillor, criticised the Conservative government for its handling of the NHS and the environment.

"The Conservatives have plunged the NHS into crisis," Mr Gregori said.

LibDem candidate Luigi Gregori (Image: Newsquest)

"They have failed to deliver new hospitals, making people wait for hours for ambulance, GP, and even urgent cancer treatment. They have let us all down. We have an excellent policy for fixing the social care crisis and making sure everyone gets the care they need."

Hina West, a local mother from Whitchurch representing the Green Party, highlighted her party's commitment to environmental issues and social justice.

Green Party candidate Hina West says her party would push the Labour government to go faster and further (Image: Newsquest)

"The Green Party is the only party that has a vision on its ambition and pragmatic understanding that would fix our country while saving our mother earth," Ms West said.

She also expressed her hope that a new Labour-led government would be formed, with the Greens pushing them to "go faster and further on the biggest issues during our time".

Reform UK's Andrew Meacham says the challenges we face in this country are vast (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Meacham, from Reform UK, spoke about his extensive experience in the Royal Navy and the energy sector.

"The challenges we face in this country are vast," Mr Meacham warned.

He criticised both Labour and Conservative governments for high taxes, national debt, and wasteful spending.

"Reform UK will secure British future as a free, proud, and independent sovereign nation," he said.

SEE ALSO: Who is standing in North West Hampshire?

Phil Heath at Tadley hustings (Image: Newsquest)

Phil Heath, representing the Hampshire Independents, focussed on his local ties and experience.

"You need an MP who will be a champion for you," Heath said.

"Not having a political master. I can take on any government, any council, the health authority, and I will do it for you." Heath also expressed his desire to see justice for women and improved tax rates for the low-paid.