It is quite rare to find a topic that can unite political candidates.

However, all seven general election candidates in Macclesfield appeared to voice some support for the LGBT community, at the Saturday June 20 Tytherington School hustings.

The event was aimed at Under 30s and the issues that mattered for them, and towards the end of the two-hour hustings, a 26-year-old voter from Macclesfield asked general election candidates about how they would supported Macclesfield's LGBT community.

While the extent of their support was differing, and some did not go into great detail, every answer showed at least some form of support.

And while candidates did not fully answer how they would support, what they all answered was that they did support the LGBT community.

Chris Wellavize is the only Independent candidate on the ballot paper in Macclesfield.

Answering first was Independent candidate Christopher Wellavize who said "All minority groups need to be respected, their values understood."

"We need to support those people on their journeys, and hope that the whole of society is able to evolve within it and the people within it change.

Tim Roca, Labour, said: "As a gay man who is hoping to get married next year, I do support."

"I think about how far Macclesfield has come over recent years, attending MaccPride last year, we have a phenomenally diverse community and we need to make sure we don't have division or hatred weasel it's way in.

The panel pictured with Chair Mandy Martinez, governor of Tyherington School pouring water in the centre.

"The people in Macc can be reassured if I am privileged enough to be their MP, I will fight for equality for all."

Dickie Fletcher of the Social Democratic Party said: "The SDP is fully supporting of gay marriage."

"We do believe however that biological sex is real."

Conservative candidate David Rutley said: "Same sex marriage is a settled issue."

Conservative candidate David Rutley - who was until parliament was dissolved on May 30 - Macclesfield's MP since 2010. He could be elected for a fifth time later this week.

"I think the question was directed at me as I voted against same sex marriage.

"At the time there was a debate about this issue, I was concerned about the definition of marriage, and whether there would be adequate protections in place to traditional forms of marriage as well. That debate is long gone.

"It is a settled issue and I fully support those rights. It is absolutely vital that we work to tackle homophobia, transphobia in all that we do. And I have included that in my work as an MP, I have attended Macclesfield Pride as well.

"We need to recognise the important work that goes on with that parade and festival each year."

A David Rutley campaign sign in Rainow.

Neil Christian of the Liberal Democrats said: "It was the Liberal Democrats that pushed through same-sex marriage when we moved into government and we have come a long way."

"I married my husband in 2023, it is very, very positive we have two male gay men on the ballot paper of this constituency. That would not have happened 10-15 years ago."

To fact check Neil's statement, there were two gay men on Macclesfield's ballot paper in the 2015 general election nine years ago, being the two candidates today, Neil Christian and Tim Roca.

Neil went on to add: "You can say it is a settled issue, there are still many things to be done to improve the quality and to protect the LGBTQ community, because they are a minority and they do suffer homophobia and transphobia. We must do more as a society, and for all minorities to be fair."

Neil Christian is running for parliament in Macclesfield for the third time. He previously stood for parliament in 2015 and 2019, but did not win.

Neil Christian was applauded, but a louder noise was made after the next candidate to speak, Amanda Iremonger, who cheekily quipped: "I would certainly second your [Neil] comment about delightful it is to see a mixture of white middle-aged men on this panel."

The audience then burst into laughter and applauded the joke of the Green Party candidate.

Amanda went on to add: "On a more serious note, equality matters in everything. The Equality Act is a step in the right direction, but we need to end the 'othering' of people on any basis whatsoever.

"A key thing we haven't talked about today is one in five women have experienced domestic abuse, and one in seven men as well. We need to focus on the things that matter with more fairness and equality, and not with othering."

Amanda Iremonger (Green) is one of seven candidates on the ballot paper for this Thursday's general election.

Stephen Broadhurst, Reform UK said: "I am against phobias of any kind."

"As far as I'm concerned, do what you like. It doesn't affect my life.

"Good luck to people, if that's what you want to do."

"Who am I to judge at the end of the day?"

Stephen Broadhurst is Reform UK's first-ever parliamentary candidate in Macclesfield.

Macclesfield will go to the polls on July 4 from 7am to 10pm.

The candidates are: Stephen Broadhurst (Reform UK), Neil Christian (Liberal Democrats), Dickie Fletcher (Social Democratic Party), Amanda Iremonger (Green Party), Tim Roca (Labour Party), David Rutley (Conservatives), Christopher Wellavize (Independent).

While Pride month may have come to an end, the town of Macclesfield still has a pride parade to look forward to, taking place this weekend on July 6.

There is also a MaccPride pop-up currently in the Grosvenor Centre, with a raffle to win prizes and support the charity.

MaccPride's shop in the Grosvenor Centre.