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