The three candidates vying to become Kent’s next police and crime commissioner will take part in a virtual hustings this week, fielding questions on their plans and policies should they win.

The online debate has been organised by the University of Kent and takes place on Thursday from 7pm to 8.15pm.

The event will be hosted at the university's Centre for Journalism, by KMTV and the Medway African and Caribbean Association. The debate will be chaired by Paul Francis, KMTV’s political editor.

Viewers will be able to follow the debate as it happens and there will be an opportunity to submit questions as it is streamed on the university’s YouTube Channel and broadcast live by KMTV.

The PCC candidates are:

Graham Colley, Liberal Democrat

Lola Oyewusi, Labour

Matthew Scott, Conservative (incumbent)

The candidates will be explaining what their plans are should they win.They will also answer questions submitted by members of the public. Simultaneous interpretation in British Sign Language will be provided.

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, chairman of Medway African and Caribbean Association, added: "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 from 7pm to 8.15pm, via KMTV (Freeview 7 and Virgin 159) or on YouTube.

Questions can be submitted by the public and press in advance by registering for the event here.

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