FORMER MP and war reporter Martin Bell will be in Taunton next week to take part in a special local Question Time.

As well as the General Election this year, the Taunton Deane Council election is also taking place, giving you the chance to vote for your local councillors.

The event, organised by Taunton Forward, will allow local party leaders to answer questions from members of the public to help them understand what their plans for Taunton are.

Attending the event and representing their parties are: o Clive Martin (Green) o John Williams (Con) o Libby Lisgo (Lab) o Simon Coles (Lib Dem), and o Edward Gaines (Ind) Mr Bell, who served as an Independent MP for Tatton from 1997 to 2011, will be chairing the Question Time.

He told the County Gazette: “Being an MP was, for me, one of those things in life that you wouldn’t do again, but I did enjoy doing it.

“I found it all very shocking – I had previously worked in many warzones and you expect to be shell-shocked but I didn’t expect to be as an MP.

“I cannot remember an election such as this one where the outcome was so unclear and even friends of mine who work for the BBC as political reporters haven’t got a clue about this year’s outcome.

“The General Election can sometimes overshadow local elections but the local elections are important in their own right as those elected have a direct influence on people’s daily lives.

“It is great to see more young people not only showing an interest in voting this time round but also participating.

“Young people should participate and stand as candidates, and I know there are a few standing this time round in the Taunton Deane elections.

“I’m very much looking forward to chairing the debate and making sure everyone gets to have their say.”

If you would like to submit a question you can do so by emailing info@tauntonforward.com If you would like to attend the event you can buy your tickets at tauntonforward.co.uk/events Tickets cost £10 or £3 for students.

The Question Time takes place at Richard Huish College in Taunton on Thursday, April 30, at 6pm.