By VoA Newsdesk –

[UPDATE 21/04/26: Martin Price, representing the Green Party candidates for Ashbrow Ward, has confirmed his attendance at the Q&A]

As the May local elections approach, Kirklees Local TV (KLTV), with support from Local Services 2 You (LS2Y), have announced a hybrid Political Question-and-Answer session to give Ashbrow Ward residents a direct line to their prospective representatives.

Titled “The Ashbrow Ward Candidates’ Debate: Your Voice, Your Vote,” the event is designed to foster a healthy democracy by allowing voters to compare the visions, policies, and priorities of local candidates seeking to represent the Ashbrow Ward.

Event Details:

• What: A public hybrid Q&A session for Ashbrow Ward political candidates.
• When: Thursday, April 23rd, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Where: The Top Club, Sheepridge Road, Huddersfield OR online at https://youtube.com/live/NBgB0UKi5nk?feature=share
• Host: Louise Lewis, local community activist

Confirmed Speakers & Format

KLTV have extended invitations to representatives from the Labour Party, the Conservative Party, Reform UK, The Green Party and independent candidates standing in the Ashbrow Ward.

Currently, confirmed speakers include:

• James Homewood (Representing the Labour Party candidates)
• Michael Forster (Independent candidate)
• Martin Price (Representing the Green Party candidates)

Each participating candidate will be given a five-minute opportunity to introduce themselves and their platform to the community. This will be followed by a robust, moderated Q&A session where residents can ask pressing questions regarding both local Ashbrow matters and broader national issues.

Community Activist and local resident Louise Lewis, who will be hosting the Q&A, said: “As someone deeply committed to our community, I wanted to create a space where Ashbrow residents can hear directly from those who want to represent them.

“Local elections shape everyday life, so it’s vital people feel informed, confident, and able to ask the questions that matter most.”

Driving Civic Engagement

Through this event, KLTV aims to ensure maximum civic engagement and political transparency with the Ashbrow Community ahead of the upcoming May elections.

Andy Petrie, CEO of Local Services 2 You, said: “As a community organisation based in Ashbrow, we know that involvement in local democracy is important and we’re keen to see residents have the opportunity to talk to candidates directly to find out what they intend to do for the area.”

Dr Milton Brown, CEO of Kirklees Local TV, added: “I have had a concern for many years about the depoliticisation of our most vulnerable people and communities, especially in the Ashbrow Ward.

“As Dr Martin Luther King Jr said, ‘Depoliticisation is a cage with an open door. Walk out. Vote.’

“Voting gives us all a voice, not just for you, but for everyone in your community who needs to speak out.

“It’s time to step out of the shadows and Vote, the Ashbrow Ward’s future depends on it.”

Residents of the Ashbrow Ward are highly encouraged to attend the event, participate, and engage directly with the individuals seeking to represent their community.