A Conservative candidate has been accused of showing "contempt" for residents after missing a series of hustings.

Matthew Offord, who is standing for the party in Hendon, was empty-chaired at a hustings organised by the West Hendon Residents’ Association last Thursday at Marsh Drive Community Centre.

Mr Offord, who was elected as Hendon MP in 2010, also missed two events last month, organised by Middlesex University and Mencap.

His Labour opponent Andrew Dismore said: “In 2010 he was only too happy to attend as many hustings as possible but now he is running scared, unwilling to answer questions and showing contempt for residents who want to question his record.”

Mr Offord indicated he would be attending hustings with a more general focus.

The Tory candidate said: "I am leading a very robust campaign and as part of that I am taking part in four husting meetings which any resident who has attended a single issue hustings may also attend."