In deciding which way to vote - did you get the chance to do a proper comparison: a hustings?

Stick with me. Hustings – a beauty parade for  politicians – may suffer some of the naff image of their namesake events, and also share some standard questions to which 'world peace' is frequently the right answer. But while hustings don't have a swimwear round, they are just as revealing in their own way!

Putting the aspiring politicians in a room and subjecting them to a touch of accountability tells you about their policy promises, acquaints you with their record, but just as importantly you learn a hell of a lot about their attitudes. With  insights that can only be had when you can smell each other, you get a feel for the people in front of you. Are they sincere? Do they listen? Are they clever, but uncaring? 

There are those (OK, my mates) who say that we shouldn't be allowed into the voting booth without first attending a hustings. By eyeballing our candidates and putting them through their ordeal, we become qualified to make a choice. Three residents associations in Barnet borough organised hustings for the local elections. None did in High Barnet. Shame. Do you think they could be persuaded to hold one in future if we instituted a swimwear round?

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