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.

