James Wharton

Last night I met with some of this area’s top business people to discuss a variety of issues, ranging from politics (both local and national) to their plans for the future in this area.  There is a real passion for the area evident in Teesside’s expanding and successful business community and we need to find ways of ensuring that local business can continue to contribute to much needed regeneration in places like the Mandale Triangle.

Today I took a break of sorts and attended a friend’s birthday bbq in Ingleby Barwick.  There was a fair bit of political discussion with some of those in attendance, who are involved in local politics to varying levels, but all in all it was a relaxing afternoon off!

Last night I met with the local party members who make up the executive of Stockton Conservatives.  We discussed a wide range of issues and planning for the months and years ahead as well as hearing reports from key officers.  For the first time the meeting began with a 30 minute “political discussion”, allowing all members of the executive to comment on politics rather than simply meeting to discuss the running and mechanics of the local Party.  It seemed to work well and no doubt the Chairman will wish to repeat the exercise at future such meetings.

This afternoon I attended the funeral of Harry Davies M.B.E., a long standing member of the local Conservative Party who, as it happens, was the first to welcome me into politics some years ago.  Harry was an example to everyone in public life, having been a local Councillor for many years and even stood for Parliament in 1983.  Many local people will remember him for his time as a head teacher or his work with Billingham folklaw festival.  Frank Cook, the Labour MP for Stockton North and a long time friend of Harry’s, spoke movingly about his own time with Harry and how, despite their politics being somewhat different, they were always close friends.  Harry will be sorely missed by all who knew him, his contribution to his home town and the Borough leave a legacy which will not be forgotten.

Unlike the MP I do not get a staffing allowance and I have a full time job as well as being Conservative Candidate but I still get an awful lot of casework from constituents needing help.  Today I spent quite a while with one such person at their home in Stockton.  They have a number of problems and difficulties with which I am now trying to help.  Most frustratingly the Labour MP has been involved for a long time but all she seems to do is write nice letters about why she cannot help!  It is no wonder people feel so let down when their elected representatives, who are all smiles and promises at election time, fail to be there in times of need.