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Labour's Michael Jones sparked off the controversy, claiming he was taking a stand of principle against the BNP in not attending the Regis Centre public meeting held on Saturday evening.

His decision prompted both Conservative MP Nick Gibb and Simon McDougall, who had been prepared for the meeting to also pull out on the day.

But the 250 people who attended the Civic Society organised evening voted to send a letter rebuking the three candidates for their non-appearance. Andrew Moffat of the BNP said those who did not attend should be "condemned for not taking part."

According to Mr Gibb, he said it is against his party's rules to debate without Labour candidates participating but said he believed it was important a debate should be staged between the candidates. Mr Jones said he regretted causing any disappointment but stood by his 11th hour decision, claiming he only knew on Thursday of the BNP's intention to attend.

He said: "My withdrawal was entirely a personal decision, I did not put any pressure on the other candidates to step down, but I could not in all good conscience share a platform with the BNP and provide them with respectability and credibility for their racial views."

Plans are being prepared for an alternate debate between Conservative Nick Gibb, Liberal Democrat Simon McDougall and Labour's Michael Jones. See this week's Observer for the full story.

What do you think, email us with your views - were the candidates right to pull out of such a critical meeting?