WEST Somerset Conservative candidate Ian Liddell-Grainger will not be taking part in any public meetings or debates during his General Election campaign, despite being urged by rival candidates to change his mind.

The local MP for 16 years, Mr Liddell-Grainger, of Bicknoller, said this week: “I will not be taking part in public debates during this campaign. I haven’t done them since 2001 and I won’t be doing them this time.

“I can spend my time more efficiently knocking on the doors of constituents. You get far better feedback on the doorstep rather than people having to talk to me in front of strangers.”

Mr Liddell-Grainger said his only meeting would be with West Somerset farmers at a yet-to-be-fixed question and answer session organised by Somerset NFU.

“I did this before the 2015 election and I am happy to do it again because farmers are having a hard time and they are a vital part of our rural community,” he told the Free Press.

Liberal Democrat candidate Marcus Kravis, of Blue Anchor, said he hoped Mr Liddell-Granger would have second thoughts about not participating in public debates.

“I will be taking taking part in hustings, and so will other candidates. I hope the Conservative candidate will change his mind. I would welcome the opportunity for a face-to-face debate—there are a lot of questions I would like to ask him.”

Labour candidate Wes Hinckes also asked Mr Liddell-Grainger to “step up and have a debate”.

He added: “We need an MP who will get out to public meetings and find out what people want. Come on Ian. Let’s talk about it.” He said he had invited his Conservative rival to join him for “a walk and a nice cup of tea, to see what’s really going on.”

A constituency Labour Party spokesman said on Wednesday that Mr Liddell-Grainger “is well-known for going to ground during a general election. It is almost as though the Conservatives don’t want people to meet him.

“I guess their hope is that people will just vote for the blue rosette.

“We would welcome the opportunity to debate with Mr Liddell-Grainger in a public forum if only he was willing to put himself on the line.”

Last week, Mr Kravis stood in the Somerset County Council elections and came second to the Conservatives in the Minehead Division with 839 votes (28 per cent).

In 2015 he unsuccessfully contested the North Somerset parliamentary seat which was won by Liam Fox.

“I think talking to people in a public debate around the constituency is still is an essential part of an election campaign,” he said.

“I find question and answer sessions very interesting and invigorating and an opportunity for electors to find out who you are and what you have to offer.

“Talking on the doorstep is also very important, but logistically you simply can’t get to talk to everyone in just a few weeks.

“Public meetings are valuable way of getting your message across to more people.”

Disagreeing, Mr Liddell-Grainger said that canvassing for votes had changed over the years: “In Tom King’s day, if he spoke at a town hall hundreds of people would turn up.

“Now you might get 30 people and most of them will have made up their minds before they arrive.

“I can cover many more than that in the same time, knocking on doors and speaking directly to people.”

n Candidates’ nominations had to be submitted by 4pm yesterday (Thursday), and we will publish details of those standing in the Bridgwater and West Somerset and Taunton Deane constitencies next week. You’ll also find them on our website wsfp.co.uk

Polling cards are being sent to residents, who are advised to check their card to make sure they know which polling station they need to go to on Thursday June 8.

If you don’t receive a poll card, you may not be registered to vote.

If that’s the case, you need to register to vote by May 22 - the easiest way is by visiting www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

The last day to apply for a postal vote is May 23.