ITV News paid a visit to Watford as it discussed the value of the town’s film industry and whether the constituency will be a “two-horse race” in the upcoming General Election.

In a segment which aired yesterday at 6pm, political correspondent Simon Harris visited the Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, West Herts College and interviewed the four main parliamentary candidates on their predictions for July 4.

Leavesden Studios senior vice president Emily Stillman with ITV's Simon Harris.Leavesden Studios senior vice president Emily Stillman with ITV's Simon Harris. (Image: ITV) Studios senior vice president Emily Stillman highlighted the importance of the film industry as she told ITV that locally-filmed productions like Barbie, Wonka, and Aquaman had attracted £200 million to the UK’s economy in 2022. 

Mr Harris also met “the next generation of moviemakers” at West Herts College as students Zola Williams, Alsessio Capozzi, Elly Hayton discussed their career aspirations.

West Herts College students.West Herts College students. (Image: ITV) Zola said: “My parents really want me to be an actor or somewhere in front of the camera, but I really want to be a producer and run the show.”

July 4 will be their first chance to vote in a General Election after turning 18, although the teens all said they were still learning about politics.

Conservative candidate Dean Russell.Conservative candidate Dean Russell. (Image: ITV)

When asked if he needed “wizardry” to keep his seat, Conservative candidate Dean Russell said: “The wizardry and magic is always good but what I’ve been doing is the hard yards. I’ve been out in the community. I’ve delivered on every single pledge that I put forward and more.”

Labour candidate Matt Turmaine.Labour candidate Matt Turmaine. (Image: ITV)

While Labour candidate Matt Turmaine said he believed the constituency will be a “two-horse race” after 200 years of Labour and Conservative MPs, Reform UK candidate Gary Ling said the party was “bursting through” and felt they had a chance at the seat.

Reform UK candidate Gary Ling.Reform UK candidate Gary Ling. (Image: ITV)

He added: "The Liberals have done very well in local elections, but they never score well on a national level and I think that is because the turnout is so much different."

Liberal Democrat candidate Ian Stotesbury.Liberal Democrat candidate Ian Stotesbury. (Image: ITV)

Liberal Democrat candidate Ian Stotesbury felt they were entering the election "with momentum" after winning three seats off Labour at the May council elections and changes to the constituency boundaries.

He claimed that the newly-added Bushey North was a "very strong Lib Dem area" and strengthened their chances at the seat.

Watford constituency candidates for the general election on July 4, 2024:

  • Arran Bowen-la Grange – Green Party
  • Dean Russell – Conservative and Unionist Party
  • Gary James Ling – Reform UK
  • Ian Stotesbury – Liberal Democrats
  • Khalid Mahmood-Chohan – Workers Party of Britain
  • Matt Turmaine – Labour Party
  • Sarah Knott - Heritage Party