Maldon Reform UK candidate Pamela Walford faced backlash from audience members at yesterday's Hustings event (June 24), following a comment she made concerning the cost of living crisis.

The Hustings event brought together all five Maldon candidates as they battled it out in front of a packed church hall.

In response to a question about the cost of living and Universal Credit, Ms Walford said: "Not all the right people go to the food bank, people go who don't need to.

"I have heard that from two different people who work at them."

While some audience members nodded, others could be heard scoffing and shaking their heads.

Ms Walford quickly added: "The people who need the food are not getting it."

Liberal Democrat candidate, Simon Burwood, was quick to respond to Pamela's comment in a quip to the audience, "I was wondering when scrimpers would come up!"

The event, which began at around 7.30 pm yesterday, lasted until around 9.20 pm following six rounds of pre-submitted questions, and six floor questions.

Proceedings remained relatively calm, with candidates expressing their views on topics including St Peter's Hospital, transport, the environment, social care, cost of living, and childcare.

Find out more about each candidate and their party's policies, with our handy guide.