CHEERS and jeers were aplenty as four of North West Hampshire’s general election candidates went head-to-head for the first time in a lively hustings event last Sunday.

Conservative Kit Malthouse, Labour’s Andy Fitchet, Alex Payton of the Liberal Democrats and Green candidate Dan Hill clashed on topics ranging from tax policy to the environment during the hour-long debate, held in front of a 70-strong crowd at Weyhill Fairground Hall.

Ukip’s Roger Clark was unable to attend the event due to “family issues”.

The evening, organised by Andover Churches Together and expertly presented by stalwart host Jill Bentall, began with a speech from each of the four candidates.

Mr Malthouse kicked off the night talking about his two-year stint as the constituency’s MP, describing it as the “busiest and most productive time in my life so far”.

He added that last two years had been a “complete whirlwind”.

Mr Hill, returning as the Green’s candidate from the 2015 general election, followed with a talk about the importance of climate change and the challenges facing the country in the wake of Brexit.

Newcomer Mr Fitchet emphasised the importance of voting for the candidate who would “represent them best in parliament”.

The Labour candidate then set out his local achievements as a town councillor and youth worker, before outlining his vision for bringing investment to Andover.

Mr Payton, returning as the Liberal Democrat candidate from the 2015 election, finished with a speech about his party’s alternative vision for Brexit and the need for a “proper” opposition.

Mrs Bentall then turned the meeting towards a question and answer session, which consisted of pre-submitted questions.

The first set centred around the issue of corporation tax and the need to close “loopholes” in the current system.

All four candidates agreed that the next government should bring an end to off-shore tax havens, but Mr Malthouse and Mr Fitchet clashed over the rate at which tax on business should be set.

The former stated his belief that lower rates attract more money, while Mr Fitchet claimed Labour would raise corporate taxes if elected.

Tensions rose when Mr Payton claimed Mr Malthouse had a vested interest in keeping corporation tax low, due to him being the director of an accountancy firm.

However Mr Malthouse hit back, stating he set his business up 20 years ago and was “proud” of what he had achieved – prompting claps from the crowd.

Questions over the mounting issue of the now-dropped Conservative care cost policy, dubbed the “dementia tax”, followed.

Mr Hill admitted the country faced a growing bill of care, while Mr Fitchet labelled the Conservative policy “disgusting”.

Mr Payton continued to jostle with Mr Malthouse, asking him to answer questions about his stance on disability cuts.

The Conservative then defended the idea of his party’s since-dropped plan to include house value to pay for the cost of care, describing the current system as “unfair”.

Questions followed on young people and housing before the debate turned to the environment.

Green candidate Mr Hill said Britain should not “cut environmental policies” in the wake of Brexit, but instead look to “strengthen” laws.

Mr Fitchet then earned the biggest cheer of the night when he promised to oppose any plans to reinstate fox hunting to Britain.

All four candidates found common ground in agreeing to continue the country’s membership of NATO, before the debate concluded with a final question about importance of a strong opposition.

Mr Fitchet, answering first, said he thought “the Conservatives would make a great opposition”.

Following up, Mr Payton criticised Labour’s work in holding the Conservatives to account, while Mr Malthouse questioned the competency of Jeremy Corbyn and his shadow cabinet.

Mr Hill, the last candidate to speak, stated his desire to bring in proportional representation as a way of providing better opposition.

The night ended with a thank you from Mrs Bentall, who thanked all the candidates for their time and the audience for their participation.

Another hustings event took place in Tadley on Thursday night.

A third and final event will take place in Whitchurch on Tuesday, June 6. The event, hosted by Whitchurch Social Justice Group, will take place at All Hallows Church from 7pm.