THE CONSERVATIVE candidates for Reading East and West appear to have ruled themselves out of this month's reverse hustings debate.

On May 31, residents will get the chance to grill parliamentary hopefuls on local issues including housing and homelessness.

Every other party running for election will have canidates or representatives at the debate, organised by Reading Quakers, on June 8.

Alok Sharma, the former Reading West MP, refused to attend, insisting he has already committed to similar debates in his own constituency and wants to priortise speaking to residents on their doorsteps.

Rob Wilson, the former Reading East MP, has not responded to his invitation.

"Why are the Tories avoiding the public in this way?" said hustings moderator John Crosfield.

"A hustings is a great way to engage with the voters, but Alok Sharma has categorically refused and Rob Wilson has ignored the invitation.

"They will be the only candidates not present and the Conservative party will be the only participating political party showing no interest in the public's views on Reading's future."

The Liberal Democrat candidates have a prior engagement on May 31, but a representative will be at the debate in their stead.

Other topics up for discussion are integration and isolation, energy and environment as well as creating a fairer society.

In his response to the Quakers, Mr Sharma said: "My apologies for not responding earlier.

"As you will appreciate we have only three weeks to go to the election and I am already committed to three hustings in the Reading West constituency and prioritising spending time speaking directly to local constituents on the doorstep.

"I therefore will not be able to participate in your reverse hustings."

The event will be held at 2 Church Street, Reading, from 7.30 pm to 9.30pm.