Cameron in town for your questions

The Tory leader will be in town next Friday for the Cameron Direct event, in which he will answer unprepared questions set by residents on the night.

The Conservatives see Bolton as a key battle ground in the forthcoming General Election, and Mr Cameron, along with senior members of his Shadow Cabinet, including William Hague and George Osborne, has made a number of visits to the town in a bid to drum up support.

Former Trafford Council leader Susan Williams will contest the Bolton West seat being vacated by Ruth Kelly, while Deborah Dunleavy and Bolton councillor Andy Morgan will fight the seats in Bolton North East and Bolton South East, respectively.

Mrs Williams said: “We’re really pleased David Cameron is coming to Bolton. It’s a great opportunity for everyone — of any political persuasion — to come along and raise their issues, questions and concerns with him.”

Mrs Dunleavy added: “Across the country, there are obviously real concerns over issues such as the cost of living, including the pressure on homeowners and the pressure on small shops and businesses, and all these issues can be raised.

“But it is the members of the public who set the agenda for the evening. Whatever the question, issue or concern, it will be answered.”

Mr Cameron launched the Cameron Direct events last year to “return to the old-style town hall meetings, where politicians stand up in front of a crowd and answer questions from residents rather than national journalists”.

Organisers say there are no scripts or planted questions, and the events, which are taking place across Britain, are open to everyone who lives in the local area, no matter what their political persuasion.

For security reasons, details of where the Bolton Cameron Direct will take place have not yet been revealed, but the event will start at 6.30pm.

To register to attend and for information, call 01204 600 700 or email boltonconservatives@btconnect.com.

andrew.greaves@ theboltonnews.co.uk