The Eltham College Politics Society was pleased to welcome local MP Bob Neill and his Labour opponent for the Bromley & Chislehurst seat at the next General Election, Chris Kirby for a “Question Time” style debate.
It was the first formal meeting of the two and the debate proved that there is much common ground between the two locally, suggesting that there can be much bi-partisan co-operation locally; something that can only benefit the local community. Bob Neill has been the local MP since a by-election victory in 2006 and this is the first seat Chris has contested, he is currently the second youngest Parliamentary candidate in the country.
Chris Kirby Bob Neill
The debate covered a wide range of subjects, from the state of London in the wake of a new Mayor and London Assembly, to questions about the ideological convictions - or lack of - of both parties. There was much discussion about many issues of the day, from the 10p tax debate, to ID cards along with there being much debate about the policy and/or lack of policy from all parties. Perhaps one of the more intriguing revelations of the debate was Bob Neill ‘coming out’ as a One Nationist Tory, a rare breed in the Conservative party, still largely dominated by Thatcherites, in spite of what Cameron may say.
The debate was a fitting way to end the year for the Politics Society, a year which has seen talks from a political foreign affairs analyst of Eurasia group, a former Elthamian, Kevin Bonavia, now standing for Parliament in Southend, and a controversial talk from the Head of Republic, Graham Smith.