PROSPECTIVE parliamentary candidates will be facing the public on Saturday (November 30) at a hustings event in Callington — but the former MP Sheryll Murray will not be attending.

Callington Town Forum CIC will be hosting the event in Callington Town Hall, which will see Labour candidate Gareth Derrick, Green candidate Martha Green, Liberal Party candidate Jay Latham and Liberal Democrat candidate Colin Martin attend to answer questions from the attending public.

However, former Conservative MP for South East Cornwall Sheryll Murray will not be attending the hustings on Saturday — or any other open hustings event — due to ‘security concerns’.

Sheryll’s agent told the Times that her decision to not attend hustings events was ‘in line with advice from parliamentary security’ and followed security concerns she experienced in 2017.

Agent Bob Davidson said: ‘As you will be aware from Parliament, security is a concern from all sides of the political spectrum but particularly has been targeted against women.

‘Indeed, many female former MPs cited this when deciding not to stand for re-election.

‘Sheryll herself has unfortunately faced a number of online threats.

‘That is why, as her agent, I have decided not to accept any invitations to open hustings.

‘I do realise how disappointing this may be for people wishing to see a debate.

‘Fortunately, Sheryll took part in a very recent Politics South West show with Labour, the Liberal Democrats and with the Brexit Party, who are not standing in this constituency.

‘This is available on BBC iPlayer catch up.’

The show was broadcast on November 3.

‘We will continue to knock on as many doors as we can over the election period, talking to many more people than we can at organised hustings.

‘If, however, anyone does have a particular question, they can email Sheryll directly at [email protected] or write to her at The Parade, Liskeard, PL14 6AF.

Saturday’s hustings will be based on the Question Time format.

The public will be welcome at the town hall from 1.15pm, so everyone can register and submit their questions before the candidates appear on stage at 2pm.

Anyone who would like to attend can register for tickets at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/callington-hustings-tickets-83586634875