PROSPECTIVE MPs from Bolton West came under fire in a live TV debate.

A question-and-answer session at Westhoughton Town Hall was the first in a series of discussions held for the BBC’s election coverage.

The constituency is considered a key seat because of its voting patterns and political experts believe that whichever party wins Bolton West will also win the General Election on May 6.

An audience of 100 people, from first-time voters to retired citizens, put a range of tough questions of the candidates.

Bolton West Labour MP Ruth Kelly is stepping down and replacing her is Julie Hilling, standing against Conservative Susan Williams and Liberal Democrats Jackie Pearcey.

There were a range of hot topics discussed, including the NHS, transport, immigration, education, increasing National Insurance and MPs expenses.

One member of the public asked if voters could be confident that the candidates would work for the constituents and not concentrate on their own ambition and earnings.

Julie Hilling said: “I have lived in this community for 24 years and I am passionate about Bolton West and I will try to make it better for us.

“I will be back here every weekend and my ambition is that people in Bolton West will be sick of the sight of me.”

Susan Williams told the audience: “My ambition is to get elected and to be a proper voice. There has been criticism of Ruth Kelly because of her work and family commitments meant she was not always here.”

Jackie Pearcey said: “The whole purpose of being an MP is to represent the community and make people’s lives better.

“It is about what is important for the community and not what’s important for yourself.”

Members of the public who attended the debate said they found it interesting.

John Heighway, aged 75, from Farnworth, said: “It was good and they all got some points across. It is a pity there are not more of these.

“I was particularly interested to hear what they said about the NHS, because it needs improving.“ First time voter Jack Tomlinson, aged 18, from Westhoughton High School sixth form, said: “I had already decided to vote Conservative but I was interested to come down to see what they had to say.

“I think that Labour is tired and old and we need something new and fresh.”

David Kay, aged 18, also from Westhoughton High School sixth form, said: “I am still not sure who to vote for.

“They all have something I like and something I dislike.“ Christine Hodgkinson, aged 67, from Horwich, said: “I found it interesting and think that they have similar ideas.

“I am concerned about education and the huge debt that we have got.