Pembrokeshire College students welcomed local election candidates to their very own ‘question time’ event last week.

The Colegau Cymru initiative was held in the College Atrium and local election candidates from the Preseli and Pembrokeshire constituency came for what proved to be an afternoon of tough questioning from college students.

The following candidates attended the hustings to represent their political parties: Aled Davies from the Conservative party (as Paul Davies was unable to attend), Frances Bryant from the Green party, Dan Lodge representing the Labour party, Rob Kilmister for the Liberal Democrats and John Osmand representing Plaid Cymru. Party manifestos were distributed whilst college Performing Arts students finalised the microphone and technical set-up.

Performing Arts lecturer, Simon Haslam played ‘Dimbleby’, chairing the session which saw learners challenge the panel of candidates with a series of questions.

Student Katie Walbrook asked the panel about their stance on mental health in Wales. Natasha Scott asked what each of the parties’ priorities were, should they be elected. Will Hughes focused on a more local issue, quizzing the candidates about their intentions for Withybush Hospital.

With the European Union dominating the news of late, student Tara Turner asked whether the political parties were in favour of remaining in the EU. In response to a unanimous ‘yes’ to stay in, Beth Toombs went on to ask the candidates to clarify the main differences between each party.

Student Grant Thomas posed a question on the complex issue of tuition fees for university students.

Before the end of the session, learners turned the pressure up, posing specific questions to specific candidates, with questions ranging from politicians’ pay-rises, renewable energy and rural employment. The session drew to a close with each party candidate presenting a closing statement.

Student Beth Toombs said that she found the session helpful.

“It can be difficult to cut through all of the information available, so this question and answer session really helped clarify what each party stands for,” she said.

Grant Thomas agreed, adding: “I didn’t know what to expect from the candidates, but I was impressed with the event and that they answered our questions thoroughly. Some of the candidates hung around after and it was great to have an informal chat too.”