Youngsters in Barnet will be able to quiz representatives from political parties at an online event ahead of next month’s local elections.

The Digital Youth Hustings, which will be hosted at Woodhouse College, will be streamed live on Facebook, where young people can pose questions in the comments section.

It will be attended by council election hopefuls including Labour Party candidate for Hale Rachel Megan Barker, Liberal Democrat candidate for Childs Hill Sachin Patel and Conservative candidate for Hale Roberto Weeden-Sanz.

The event is being staged by charity Community Barnet to promote a better understanding of the main political parties and motivate youngsters to head to the ballot box at the council elections on May 3.

As well as fielding questions posed live on Facebook, the political hopefuls will be grilled by the audience at Woodhouse College and answer queries submitted before the event via a web form available on Community Barnet’s website.

Community Barnet head of community services Jeni Osborne said: “We strongly encourage young people across the borough to get involved in the Digital Youth Hustings and take this opportunity to ask the key questions they want answered.

“This is a great chance for the major parties to connect with the young voter base ahead of the local election.”

Liberal Democrat councillor for Childs Hill Jack Cohen said events such as the Youth Hustings were integral to the democratic process.

“Hustings are your chance to take part in the cut and thrust of political debate,” he added.

“Be part of the conversation, get involved, help shape council policies, and let the politicians know what you want to see done.”

The Youth Hustings will run from 4pm to 5pm on Tuesday, April 24 at Woodhouse College on Woodhouse Road.

Viewers can watch the event live on Community Barnet’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/CommUNITYBarnet/).

Those who want to be part of the audience at Woodhouse College, submit questions in advance or volunteer on the day should contact James Hughes on 07809 342 942 or james.hughes@communitybarnet.org.uk.