James Wharton MP

Every Christmas Eve I go down to the Blue Bell in Eaglescliffe for the unofficial school reunion.  This year was no different, everyone comes back home for Christmas from their jobs in London and across the country.  It was great to see so many old friends and catch up.

I’m going to try to get a few “days off” over Christmas, although no doubt I will still go into the constituency office more than I should!  I get so many letters and emails that to leave it for too long would result in a dreadful backlog, also I like to reply to people who contact me as promptly as possible; any unecessary delay and I would feel I was not doing my job properly.

Wishing a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year to all readers.

Stockton Borough Council’s Cabinet met last night to consider a report into the future of Parkview home.  There was a strong showing from members of the public and valuable contributions were made by Cllr Steve Walmsley (TIA) and Peter Brennan (VPRA).  The Cabinet decided to go out to consultation on the home’s future, to include the Adult Services and Health Select Committee making a report and taking evidence.  Anyone who feels they have a contribution to make to this committee’s investigation please get in touch as we need as much evidence as possible to show why Parkview should be kept open.

I was not really very impressed that the future of a carehome was put on the agenda for a Cabinet meeting 5 days before Christmas.  The way this entire process is being handled does not fill the public with confidence about what is going on.

The Gazette has picked up on my letter to Hazel Blears about unacceptable developments across the Borough.  It is about time they gave this issue more prominence, sadly I am still waiting for the Secretary of State to reply.

http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/2007/12/18/call-to-end-stockton-garden-grab-development-84229-20263519/

This morning local Party members chose the Parliamentary Spokesman for Stockton North.  I am pleased to report that Ian Galletley was selected (in a democratic secret ballot).

Ian has strong links with Stockton North, having been a headmaster there in his professional career.  He is also a good friend of mine and I am really looking forward to working with him to tackle the wide array of issues which impact on the whole Borough.

Last night was our annual Christmas Party for local members and supporters. We tend not to invite a guest speaker to these events, traditionally having a less formal get together to thank everyone who has worked so hard throughout the year. This one was particularly special as it was held at Wynyard Hall, which has been recently re opened to the public.
It was an amazing venue and a real pleasure to see, the food was excellent and I have had nothing but positive feedback from everyone who attended. A great evening and a fitting thanks to all that local supporters have done through 2007 to make it a successful year.