James Wharton MP

Yesterday I travelled down to London for a number of meetings and events.  I was particularly pleased to attend The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Multiple Sclerosis reception.  I met a number of key people in the MS society and heard about their work at both a national and local level.  I also met up with some friends who I had not seen for a while and had dinner that night with some colleagues, both past and present MPs and others.  It was a worthwhile visit and a good opportunity to raise some of the issues I am involved with in Stockton South with representatives at Westminster.  It was also the day of the government’s welcome u-turn regarding the 10p tax rate.  A number of the more rebellious Labour MPs were in buoyant mood at having forced dithering Gordon Brown to back down.  As one rather sinisterly put it “the government is in listening mode now.”  It will be interesting to see how the Prime Minster fairs after his authority has taken such a battering.