Parliamentary hopefuls will go head-to-head at a number of hustings debates ahead of the elections this May.

The Wimbledon candidates have been invited to pitch to residents on Tuesday, March 31, at the Methodist Church in Worple Road, Raynes Park, in one of many events organised to grill candidates.

Parliamentary election battle kicks off with cross-party hustings

The hustings is being organised by community groups and churches including the Raynes Park Association and will take place from 7pm to 9pm.

Wimbledon candidates Stephen Hammond (Conservative,) Andrew Judge (Labour,) Shas Sheehan (Liberal Democrat,) Peter Bucklitsch (UKIP) and Charles Barraball of the Green party will be in attendance.

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They will also be practising their public speaking for a hustings event on Thursday, April 9 organised by charities including Merton Centre for Independent Living and Merton Age UK.

Having held a session for Mitcham and Morden’s hopefuls recently, the event will focus on Wimbledon this time.

It will be held at Holy Trinity Church in The Broadway, Wimbledon, from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

The Colliers Wood Residents’ Association has organised an event for prospective Mitcham and Morden candidates.

People are invited to attend a hustings on Tuesday, April 14 at St Joseph’s Church hall in Park Road, Colliers Wood, from 7.30pm.

Candidates Paul Holmes, (Conservative) Siobhain McDonagh, (Labour) Diana Coman (Liberal Democrat) Richard Hilton (UKIP) and Mason Redding of the Green party will be on hand to answer questions.

Register to vote on the Merton Council website.

For more on the General Election visit www.wimbledonguardian.co.uk/generalelection2015