GENERAL election hopeful Tim Young has hit out at Clacton’s MP for not responding to his calls for a public debate.

Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Clacton called on his Conservative opponent to debate with him now rather than leaving it until the run-up to the election next May.

But Mr Carswell snubbed to Mr Young, who wanted to discuss local issues including the NHS, education and economy.

Mr Young said: “I sent an email to my Conservative opponent in mid-January challenging him to a series of debates on the most important issues facing the constituency.

“I more or less gave him an anytime, anyplace, anywhere offer.

“I followed this up with two reminders but I have not even had the courtesy of a reply just three automated acknowledgements.”

Mr Carswell declined to comment.