Labor candidate pulls out of private school election at last minute

Labour’s Tom Collins has blamed a meeting he “couldn’t get out of” after he pulled out of election decorations at the last minute.

The candidate, who is one of seven hoping to be appointed MP for Worcester in next week’s general election, was due to answer questions at King’s School last night (Monday, June 24).

But Mr Collins quit shortly before the event. And he confirmed that he would also not be taking part in tonight’s Palestinian-themed debates at the Friends Meeting House in Sansome Place.

Conservative candidate Marc Bayliss posted on Facebook to ask: “Where is Tom? The simple answer…not at meetings with his constituents.”

QUESTION: Marc Bayliss asked where Tom Collins is (Image: Marc Bayliss)

Mr Collins said: “It was really frustrating – we had a meeting at the last minute that we couldn’t get out of.

“I really wanted to be there to talk to people and answer their questions.

“What we’re going to do is hold more ‘meet the candidate’ events so people can ask me the questions.”

Asked if he wanted to speak to parents of private school children about Keir Starmer’s plan to tax private school fees, Mr Collins said: “Yes, of course.

“I’ve spoken to a lot of parents about it on the doorstep and actually had some very constructive discussions about it.”

Mr Collins said he plans to attend the poll at Nunnery Wood High School next Tuesday (July 2) and will continue to campaign on the doorstep.

We have asked King’s Worcester for a comment on last night’s explosions.