Summary

  • Our debate with the candidates for the Kingswood by-election has finished but you'll be able to watch it back soon

  • Kingswood is on the northern outskirts of Bristol - but will be abolished as a seat at the next general election

  • The poll was sparked when Conservative Chris Skidmore stood down from his seat

  • He quit over the government's energy plans

  • Subjects covered include drug misuse and building on the green belt

  • BBC Radio Bristol's John Darvall hosted the debate which was also on BBC Radio Bristol

  1. Goodbyepublished at 12:51 Greenwich Mean Time 8 February 2024

    That's where we leave things for now.

    Thanks for joining us for today's live Kingswood by-election debate.

  2. Highlights: Damien Egan says Kingswood's streets are 'filthy'published at 12:50 Greenwich Mean Time 8 February 2024

    Media caption,

    Damien Egan on Kingswood's dirty streets

  3. Highlights: Andrew Brown says 'we should look at decriminalising certain drugs'published at 12:30 Greenwich Mean Time 8 February 2024

  4. Highlights: Area not 'overwhelmed' by immigration, says Lorraine Francispublished at 12:18 Greenwich Mean Time 8 February 2024

    Media caption,

    South Gloucestershire not 'overwhelmed' by immigration, says Lorraine Francis

  5. When is the by-election?published at 11:56 Greenwich Mean Time 8 February 2024

    The all-important day when voters go to the polls is a week today - Thursday 15 February.

    Of course, we'll be bringing you all the coverage across tv, radio and online.

  6. In case you missed itpublished at 11:51 Greenwich Mean Time 8 February 2024

    If you missed today's debate, or want to go back to watch it again, it is now available to view by clicking on the video in this post and at the top of the page.

    You can also head to BBC iPlayer to watch at your leisure.

  7. Highlights: Rupert Lowe says 'drugs is a systemic problem'published at 11:40 Greenwich Mean Time 8 February 2024

    Media caption,

    Rupert Lowe took part in the debate

  8. Highlights: Sam Bromiley on more police needed to tackle drugs issuepublished at 11:24 Greenwich Mean Time 8 February 2024

  9. 'Relish chance for pitches at end of debate'published at 11:18 Greenwich Mean Time 8 February 2024

    Paul Barltrop
    Political Editor, West of England

    The candidates relished their chance to proclaim their key messages during the 30” second-pitch they were able to make at the end.

    Labour’s Damien Egan mentioned the NHS and cost of living, Reform’s Rupert Lowe brought up Brexit, and Sam Bromiley yet again said he was the only candidate who lived in the constituency.

  10. Postpublished at 11:16 Greenwich Mean Time 8 February 2024

    Rupert Lowe of the Reform Party said he believed there was "an immigration crisis" which is "a major issue".

    He added that if it was not dealt with then it would "affect this generation and the generation to come after that".

  11. Postpublished at 11:13 Greenwich Mean Time 8 February 2024

    The Green Party's Lorraine Francis asked for people to vote for her as it was "the most progressive" option.

    "Chris Skidmore stood down because of environmental issues. The Conservatives and Labour have let us all down, not just in Kingswood," she added.

  12. Postpublished at 11:10 Greenwich Mean Time 8 February 2024

    Labour’s Damien Egan said he would fight for families in Kingwood for who the tax burden is higher than ever but people were getting less for their money.

    "People can’t get a dentist, there are less police on street," he said.

    Mr Egan added that he was from the area and had the experience to do the job.

  13. Postpublished at 11:04 Greenwich Mean Time 8 February 2024

    In his pitch, Liberal Democrat candidate Andrew Brown said voters should look beyond the Tory and Labour parties.

    "We’ve been let down by a Conservative government that is clinging on by its fingernails and now Labour is rowing back on its commitments.

    "We need a different way of doing things."

  14. Postpublished at 11:02 Greenwich Mean Time 8 February 2024

    The Conservative's Sam Bromiley is first up.

    He said: "I’m the only candidate who lives in the constituency and I'm embedded in the community.

    "I will protect the green belt and fight for local issues like the regeneration of our high street."

  15. Postpublished at 11:01 Greenwich Mean Time 8 February 2024

    As we approach the end of this debate - where did that time go - the candidates are given the change to finish with a 30-second pitch.

  16. Postpublished at 10:57 Greenwich Mean Time 8 February 2024

    The candidates are then asked more of a light-hearted question about where they would go for a drink in Kingswood on a Saturday night.

    There are a couple of shouts for Wetherspoons and one for the nightclub Chasers which our very own Pete Simson mentioned in the build-up to this debate.

  17. Postpublished at 10:55 Greenwich Mean Time 8 February 2024

    Labour’s Damien Egan said the country needed to make more use of renewable energy, adding "we need to stand on our own two feet as a country" and be less reliant on other countries.

    He said: "People want to see reduced bills."

  18. Postpublished at 10:53 Greenwich Mean Time 8 February 2024

    After hearing some listeners' views we're onto the next topic, which is climate change.

  19. Postpublished at 10:51 Greenwich Mean Time 8 February 2024

    Lib Dem Andrew Brown said there needs to be better access to recycling and waste disposal sites, adding that it is "a cross-border issue" and it needs a more joined-up approach between authorities.

  20. No mention of local council funding deficitspublished at 10:51 Greenwich Mean Time 8 February 2024

    Pete Simson
    Political reporter, BBC Radio Bristol

    The candidates are debating access to Special Educational Needs support for children in South Gloucestershire.

    None have mentioned the problem of local council funding deficits in this area.

    The Local Government Association have estimated council deficits in their SEND budgets could reach £3.6bn by 2025.