THE Argus hustings debate drew strong reactions from the audience with many cheers, claps and even the odd heckle throughout the evening.

Opinions were split over who won on the day with all candidates impressing on a broad range of subjects both national and international broached on the night.

And as with all debates, the main party political battle began after the candidates had stopped talking, with supporters in the room keen to press home that it was their man or woman who won the debate.

A quick straw poll at the end of the evening saw praise for all participants but criticism for Ukip candidate Kevin Smith who was described as “out of his depth”.

Conservative candidate Simon Kirby was accused of sticking “a bit too much to the party lines” from even his own party supporters.

Special praise was reserved for the “surprising” performance of Chris Bowers who audience members said represented himself and the Liberal Democrats extremely well.

Retired Joyce Jones, 86, previously a Conservative voter, said: “They were all very good, but I don’t think much of the Ukip chap.

“Caroline Lucas spoke very quickly and you couldn’t catch everything she was saying.

“I know Simon Kirby is very good and they [Conservatives] keep in touch [with constituents] very well.”

Conservative supporter and student Robert English, 33, said: “I think Simon Kirby came across quite well. I think some of the audience didn’t like what he was saying, though.”

Green councillor Geoffrey Bowden, 68, said: “It’s very difficult to judge, a lot of people don’t really answer the questions.

“I thought the Lib Dem (Chris Bowers) was very good, but inevitably guilty by association.”

Debbie Waldon, of Bedford Street, Brighton, said: “I thought that Chris Bowers came across very well, but I still think Caroline Lucas came across well, as always.

“I’ve seen her speak before, and I thought she was very good.”

Green council candidate Luke Walter said: “Caroline won, but I enjoyed the speeches from each of the candidates.

“It’s quite clear that the people of Brighton have a really good choice of candidates who understand the city and have a good grasp on the issues that are of concern to them.”

Green council candidate Rob Shepherd said: “Caroline clearly won and purely in terms of delivery, I thought Chris Bowers gave comprehensive, good answers.

“The UKIP man didn’t seem to have a handle on the issues.”

Conservative councillor Dee Simson said: “I don’t think there were any winners, but there were two candidates who spoke very eloquently – Caroline Lucas and Simon Kirby.

“Chris Bowers came in a close third, he spoke very honestly, but I don’t think Purna Sen or the UKIP candidate Kevin Smith did well.”