Butt Philip Challenges Liddell-Grainger to Public Debate

2.36.44pm BST (GMT +0100) Sun 2nd May 2010

Prompted by former Conservative MP, Ian Liddell-Grainger's continued refusal to take part in any of the public meetings arranged by community groups in Bridgwater and West Somerset, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate, Theo Butt Philip has written to Mr Liddell-Grainger offering him a last-ditch opportunity to debate local issues in a public meeting.

Setting out the importance of a public debate between the leading contenders for the seat, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate, Theo Butt Philip has agreed to make himself fully available for a debate, whenever Mr Liddell-Grainger can attend.

Commenting on his letter to Mr Liddell-Grainger, Local Candidate Theo Butt Philip said:

"The people of Bridgwater and West Somerset deserve an opportunity to quiz the man that has been MP here for 9 years. Mr Liddell-Grainger has avoided every opportunity that key community groups have extended to him, offering half-hearted excuses about his workload. In stark contrast I've discussed the issues by attending every public debate I've been invited to, as well as campaigning across the constituency.

He added:

"Many residents of Bridgwater and West Somerset have said how disappointed they are, that there hasn't been a debate between the real contenders in this election. I hope that by offering this final opportunity for a debate between the two real choices in this seat, he'll finally reconsider his position."