FRIDAY’s debate between candidates fighting for in Hayley Green and Cradley South election is in danger of becoming a fiasco due to a row over who will chair the meeting.

Conservative councillor Hazel Turner is on the verge of sensationally pulling out of Friday’s debate after Reverend Ernest Cruchley was chosen to chair the debate.

In an email to Ernest Cruchley, Cllr Hazel Turner said: “I am not prepared to be controlled or bullied by you or any political party.”

Councillor Turner had agreed to attend the debate at Halesowen’s Lutley Community Centre at 6pm on Friday but her agent and husband Councillor Ken Turner raised concerns about Rev Cruchley, who has chaired similar debates, and put forward local businessman Arnold Homer as chair.

And it was left that Cllr Ken Turner would speak to Conservative MP James Morris about Rev Cruchley as he had chaired the Parliamentary debate of 2010.

However, before all the candidates had agreed on a chairman Ernest Cruchley was installed and emailed everyone his rules of engagement.

In an email to Rev Cruchley, Mr Bills and the other candidates Cllr Ken Turner said: “No agreement has yet been reached over chairman and I can not at this time recommend the nominated.

“Failure to abide by the agreed protocol will leave me with immense difficulties to encourage Cllr Mrs Turner's attendance.”

Labour’s John Bills said: “I would like to know why you object to the event being chaired by a well respected member of the church who has no political affiliations.

“Ernest Cruchley chaired the Parliamentary hustings and all parties were happy with the way he did it and this is why we approached him.“ The debate is expected to go ahead with or without Cllr Hazel Turner.