A PROSPECTIVE MP is pushing for general election candidates to take part in a debate.

David Kirwan, Independent councillor for Hoylake and Meols, has written to Tory Esther McVey and Liberal Democrat Peter Reisdorf urging them to agree to being cross-examined by voters between now and polling day.

Cllr Kirwan, a senior partner with Kirwans Solicitors, said the decision by Stephen Hesford, Labour MP for Wirral West, to step down at the election makes the need for such a debate even greater.

He said: “The Conservatives will do everything they can to wrap their candidates in cotton wool in the hope the party machine’s spending power will be sufficient to get them elected.

“Such an approach is cheating the voters of the right to cross examine the candidates who are seeking to represent them at Westminster.”

Ms McVey said she already takes part in monthly open meetings with members of the community organised by churches and said Cllr Kirwan was welcome to join them.

She said: “I will continue doing what I do all the time, meeting people at least five days a week and attending monthly meetings in the constituency.”