High Wycombe residents said the war in Gaza, the economy and the NHS were the most important issues to them ahead of the general election on July 4 – but stuck to their guns over who to vote for at a lively hustings event.

Nine MP hopefuls were questioned by members of the public on local and national issues in a lively debate at Buckinghamshire New University last night (June 24).

The hustings event – co-hosted by this newspaper – was chaired by former BBC executive Tim Marshall, and at points descended into heckling and arguing between candidates.

The panel included Steve Baker (Conservatives), Emma Reynolds (Labour), Khalil Ahmed (Workers Party), Toni Brodelle (Liberal Democrats), Catherine Bunting (Greens), Ed Gemmell (Climate) and Richard Phoenix (Reform), alongside independents Ajaz Rehman and Mark Smallwood.

Despite the audience quizzing candidates on issues including the Israel-Gaza conflict, local transport and housing, attendees told the Free Press they had not been swayed from their previously formed political leanings.

Vijay Srao, a former UKIP candidate in his 50s, said the evening’s debate had confirmed his view that backing any candidate other than Labour or the Conservatives would be “a wasted vote”.

Mr Srao said: “I’m going with Steve (Baker) because I think we’ve got to get behind the Conservatives. Between him and Emma (Reynolds), Steve more or less represents my views.

“For me, the most important issue is the economy and prosperity for everyone. We can’t have social provision without the money to pay for it. Labour isn’t being realistic about that.”

(Image: Ian Longthorne)

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Michelle Parry, 50, also said hearing from all nine candidates “hadn’t come close” to changing her vote, which was firmly behind Ms Reynolds and Labour.

She added: “Some of the questions I wanted to hear answers for didn’t get picked – we didn’t get onto the NHS and schools, which are really important issues.

“My mind’s not changed. I’m sticking with Emma because I think she was great, and I think Labour is the party most committed to the NHS.”

A woman in her 40s who wanted to be known only as Zara said she had been torn between Ms Brodelle and Mr Gemmell but made her mind up before last night to vote for the Lib Dems, who she thought had a better chance of being elected.

“I think Toni and Ed have an integrity that the other candidates don’t. Character is important for a local MP – you want to trust the individual behind the policies.

“Steve and Emma both say they’re part of the Wycombe community, but they were the first two to leave (after the event finished). I think that says it all.”

The most incendiary part of the evening was when audience members criticised the candidates for their party’s stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict, and many residents including Abid Khan, 58, said the war in the Middle East took precedence for them over local issues.

Mr Khan said he was a member of the Labour Party until last year when he resigned following comments made by leader Keir Starmer about the conflict – a path also taken by Workers Party candidate Mr Ahmed.

“Palestine is the most important thing for me. I’m never going back to Labour and I’m not voting Conservative, so I only had two choices – Ajaz (Rehman) or Khalil (Ahmed). And I think Khalil has more of a chance.

“I think a new A&E at the hospital is also important, but Gaza is above all else.”