Conservative candidate pulls out of Sidmouth Hustings event

Conservative General Election Candidate Simon Jupp has pulled out of a Hustings event due to be held in Sidmouth.

The event, organised by Vision Group Sidmouth, will be held at All Saints Church Hall in All Saints Road, EX10 8ES on Friday, December 6, starting at 7.00pm.

Mr Jupp's campaign manager, Dan Hallet had initially responded to the Vision Group's invitation to all candidates with a firm acceptance on November 15: "Simon will definitely attend the event scheduled for Fri 6 Dec at 1900," after which a confirmation and an agenda were sent out to all candidates and released to the press and online.

Hustings chairman Peter Murphy said: "We were rather surprised then when we received a further email on November 24 from Mr Hallet."

According to VGS, Mr Hallet responded: "I have double-booked Simon to attend late night shopping events and canvassing sessions in the constituency.

"Out of all the planned hustings, regrettably this is the only one he is unable to attend."

Nub News contacted Simon Jupp for more information, he said: Simon said: "As a supporter of local business, I have a diary commitment to attend late night shopping events to meet residents in Sidmouth and Budleigh as well as the Christmas Fayre in Exmouth on Friday.

"I and my team have been campaigning hard across the constituency, including Sidmouth. It's a shame the hustings have been organised for this busy Friday night which is crucial for local businesses."