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

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."

Some audience members could be heard scoffing and laughing, as they rebuked this comment.

Ms Walford quickly reiterated her point, saying: "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 dig 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.

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