Attempt to exclude TUSC from Leicester hustings

Leicester University is hosting an upcoming hustings with Labour, Tories, Greens, Ukip and the Lib Dems all represented. However, the party supported by the official opposition in Leicester City Council – the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC) – was not invited.

Andrew Walton, TUSC parliamentary candidate for Leicester South, is an NHS worker and Leicester University graduate. Andrew said: “TUSC is the only party to oppose all cuts to public spending, and one of two parties who campaign for free university education. Rather than simply providing a stage for the main parties, universities should be a place for proper democratic discussion.”

Organisers claimed to “extend invitations to those parties dominating opinion polls”. But the organisers include the vice-president of Conservative Future; and the East Midlands regional coordinator for Labour students and member of Progress (a right-wing organisation within the Labour Party).

The self-appointment of these individuals is undemocratic. One student told the Socialist: “Organising committees need to be subjected to democratic principles if they are to function properly.”

■ As we go to press Andrew has been invited onto the platform thanks to the pressure of the campaign