The gladiators stood before their voting public in Wolverhampton, trading barbs but no blows as they battled to score a timely victory as polling day approaches.

Following in the footsteps of Messrs Brown, Cameron and Clegg, Wolverhampton South West’s political hopefuls lined up for an election debate last night.

There was none of the glitz and glamour of the historic TV clashes between the three party leaders as the modest surrounds of Penn United Reformed Church in Penn Road played host to the showdown.

Dozens rather than millions were watching as Labour’s Rob Marris, Tory candidate Paul Uppal and Robin Lawrence for the Liberal Democrats made their pitches for power. Gordon Fanthom, representing Amanda Mobberley who stands for UKIP, also took to the stage. The would-be MPs were quizzed on a range of topics including policing, care for the elderly and the NHS and for the most part stuck to entrenched party positions.

All questions were submitted in advance of the meeting.

Mr Marris hailed Labour’s achievements in 13 years while pledging to do more if returned to office; Mr Uppal spoke of the need to re-establish the family at the heart of society, repeatedly urging residents to “take responsibility”.

Meanwhile like limelight-stealing leader Mr Clegg, Mr Lawrence sought to distance the Liberal Democrats from both Labour and the Tories.