The University is hosting an online hustings for the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Elections from 19.00 – 20.15 on Thursday 29 April 2021.
The event will be hosted by the University’s Centre for Journalism, KMTV and the Medway African and Caribbean Association.
The PCC candidates are:
- Graham Colley, Liberal Democrat
- Lola Oyewusi, Labour
- Matthew Scott, Conservative (incumbent)
During the hustings, which will be live on KMTV (Freeview 7 and Virgin 159) and the University’s YouTube Channel, candidates will have a chance to explain their plans for policing in Kent and Medway. They will also answer questions submitted by members of the public. Simultaneous interpretation in British Sign Language will be provided.
Questions can be submitted by the public and press in advance by registering for the event via EventBrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hustings-for-the-2021-police-and-crime-commissioner-election-tickets-151065979411
Professor Alex Stevens, Director of Public Engagement and External Relations at the University said: ‘Crime, public protection and anti-social behaviour are always of public concern. Recent controversies around the policing of Covid-19 restrictions, of protests, violence against women, county lines drug supply, and relations between the police and ethnic minority communities are of high current interest. The Police and Crime Commissioner elections give the public a chance to have their say on how the police should respond strategically to these issues. We are delighted to be facilitating this event to bring more awareness to the elections and the public’s role in providing input on issues that are important to them.’
Carol Stewart, Chairperson of Medway African and Caribbean Association, said: ‘To many in the African and Caribbean community, there is a lack of knowledge about the role of the Police and Crime commissioner, and none of the election campaigns have reached the Black community. This husting will provide an opportunity to question candidates on their vision for policing in Kent, and to better understand how they can make themselves more visible to the community.’
The Kent Police and Crime Commissioner Elections take place on Thursday 6 May 2021.
Watch the University’s online hustings for the Kent PCC Elections live on Thursday 29 April 2021 (19.00 – 20.15) via KMTV (Freeview 7 and Virgin 159) or YouTube.