TENSIONS rose between North West Hampshire’s parliamentary candidates when all five went face-to-face for the first time.

Sue Perkins of the United Kingdom Independence Party, Labour’s Andy Adams, Alex Payton of the Liberal Democrats, Conservative Kit Malthouse and Dan Hill from the Green Party debated everything from the NHS to the economy last Tuesday night at the first hustings of the election campaign.

The biggest debate raged over defence and foreign aid when Mr Malthouse and Mrs Perkins jousted over the armed services, as well as Britain’s commitment to Nato’s two per cent spending target.on defence.

The event, at St Peter’s Church, Tadley, was attended by 150 people who clapped and jeered as candidates were quizzed by the chair, Rev Richard Harlow.

He let each candidate introduce themselves, with Mrs Perkins claiming that politics needed more “ordinary people” and Mr Adams praising the work of out-going MP Sir George Young, who has stood down as the area’s Conservative MP at the age of 73.

Meanwhile, Mr Malthouse spoke of his childhood in Liverpool and his determination to “stand up for the little guy”.

One audience question that sparked interest was of “other commitments” with several people raising concerns about Mr Malthouse’s desire to remain chairman of his accounting company, County Holdings, if he is elected as MP.

Mr Malthouse said he did not want to “abandon” the business that he had “built from the ground himself”.

Meanwhile Mr Payton claimed he would quit his job as a barrister to become a “full time MP”, a sentiment echoed by Mrs Perkins, Mr Hill and Mr Adams.

The biggest clash of the evening came after Mr Malthouse questioned Mrs Perkins’ comment about supporting people such as the migrant Christians recently thrown overboard by Muslims while crossing the Mediterranean.

Mr Malthouse responded by saying: “Don’t you mean any people (sufferers of religious oppression) Sue?”

The comment was met with boos and cheers.

Mrs Perkins then came back at him, claiming the government should be standing up for those persecuted for religious beliefs.

A second hustings was due to be held at the Weyhill Fairground Village Hall on Sunday.