David Cameron, the Leader of the Conservative Party, visited Reading last week to hold one of his Cameron Direct meetings at the Madejski Stadium complex. The event was his 61st Cameron Direct event, a return to the old-style town hall meetings, where politicians stand up in front of a crowd, unscripted, and answer questions from local residents rather than national journalists.

Around 130 people from the Reading area, who applied to attend the public meeting, heard David answer questions on a range of issues including faith schools, Afghanistan, jobs, the economy, the role of the voluntary sector and the NHS.

Alok Sharma, the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Reading West, who introduced Mr. Cameron at the start of the public meeting, said: "This was a great opportunity for Reading residents to ask David Cameron a question on any issue and we certainly had a broad range of questions put to Mr. Cameron during the meeting. Talking to attendees afterwards, they were clearly impressed by David Cameron's answers and also his frankness."

Alok added: "The choice at the next general election is absolutely clear. A fresh start with a government lead by David Cameron or a continuation of the same old tired policies under Gordon Brown."

Reading East MP, Rob Wilson, who also attended, said, "What came across at this meeting was that in David Cameron we have a fresh, energetic and strong leader, who will focus on bringing the country together to deal with its deep rooted problems. He is clearly focused on aspiration, opportunity and giving people responsibility both in their own life and community."

You can view the event in full on the Conservative Party livestream channel by visiting:

http://bit.ly/4B6AWW