Parliamentary hopefuls made their case to the small business community at a hustings.

The north London branch of the Federation of Small Businesses hosted an election debate at Allianz Park, home of Saracens’ Rugby Club, last night.

Business owners and party activists quizzed candidates about issues including the London living wage, parking, planning and HS2.

The panel included AM Poppy, Green candidate for Chipping Barnet, Liberal Democrat candidate for Hendon Alasdair Hill, and Sarah Sackman, Labour’s Finchley and Golders Green candidate.

Richard King, UKIP candidate for Finchley and Golders Green, and Luke Parker, Conservative candidate for Brent North, also joined the panel to outline their business credentials.

Michael Lassman, chairman of the north London FSB, said: “This election is going to be the closest in living memory and for our north London members it gave them an opportunity to see first-hand what the parties are going to do to support small businesses.

“It is an incredibly important choice to make with so many small businesses in the audience calling on candidates not only to support them in Parliament but also as a lobbying voice to the local councils.

“The audience at the election debate made their voices heard loud and clear that planning and mainly parking policies were affecting small businesses on the high street.”