THE campaign by Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) was raised at the hustings.

In Prudhoe, candidates were asked what apprenticeship they would take on aged 60 if they faced the same state pension shortfall as WASPI members.

Labour candidate Penny Grennan said she would like to work on a farm, but added she did not qualify for an apprenticeship because she had a PHD, while Liberal Democrat candidate Stephen Howse joked: “Hopefully, I will have an apprenticeship in the House of Lords following a distinguished career in parliament.”

The Green Party’s Nick Morphet added he would carry out conservation work, while Guy Opperman of the Conservatives said: “I’m too old to be a jockey again, but I agree with Stephen.”

In Ponteland, Dr Grennan said: “The Labour Party is the only party which will recompense the WASPI women. We should not be working at 60. We should be moving aside to provide jobs for younger people.”

Mr Howse said WASPI members had been treated appallingly, while Mr Morphet said the Green Party would ensure they would be the first to receive a universal basic income.

Mr Opperman highlighted state pension increases since 2010.