Learners at the College kicked off the election season in style at The Big Debate. At the event learners developed their views on local, national and international politics, creating their own 'parties'. Local politicians, Michael Foster (Hastings and Rye Labour MP) Amber Rudd (Conservative) and Nick Perry (Lib Dem) acted as unelected political advisors during the groups’ preparation giving them a few expert tips.

Each group’s party then presented their manifesto to an audience equipped with electronic voting handsets. The clear winners were the United People's Party for Change led by charismatically by Tongai Ndlovu. The winners' prize was a trip to parliament with Hastings & Rye's next Member of Parliament.

Michael Foster, Amber Rudd and Nick Perry then took part in a US style debate, answering questions from students and spectators. Each of the candidates was put through their paces by the questions from the floor. The winner, by the slimmest of margins was Amber Rudd.

(Click to enlarge)