This week, local candidates running for parliament in the upcoming general election took part in a husting at our Bromley Campus for students and staff.
Candidates from all major parties were invited: Conservative, Labour, Liberal Democrats, Reform, The Green Party, and Social Democratic Party. In attendance at the event were:
- John Bright, Social Democratic Party
- Alan Cook, Reform
- Oana Olaru-Holmes, Labour
- Seamus McCauley, The Green Party
- Chloe-Jane Ross, Liberal Democrats
The candidates were welcomed to the event by Executive Principal and Chief Learning Officer, Asfa Sohail, and Student Union President Ruby Davis. Ruby began by sharing the key themes and priorities of the student body with candidates which included the cost of living, the NHS, and youth clubs and community funding.
Each candidate gave opening remarks to students, sharing their respective party's priorities and pledges, before answering questions posed to them by students in the audience. Some of these topics included supporting students with SEN into employment, providing opportunities for young people to get onto the property ladder, assisting students with the cost of living crisis, and supporting young people with mental health and wellbeing.
Following the event, students were given the opportunity and encouraged to register to vote in the upcoming election, as well as given support in applying for voter ID ahead of the 4th July.