James Wharton MP

I spent what seems like the entire day in the constituency office today responding to mail and sending letters informing constituents about a number of things in their local area.  As a Conservative Parliamentary Candidate (and unlike the Labour MP who employs her own family!) I do not get paid or a staffing allowance and I deal with everything personally.  I get some help from our local Conservative Party Secretary, for which I am extremely grateful,  but I always deal with every letter or email myself.  This is both time consuming and rewarding as it does give me a far better insight into the range of local issues than I might otherwise have.

Another afternoon in Ingleby Barwick campaigning for a new secondary school.  I have collected an awful lot of signatures for the campaign and, with everyone else who is involved, the end result is sure to be impressive.

Tonight I met with a resident in Thornaby who had a number of complaints.  One big problem is the constant misuse of off road bikes in Thornaby, especially in summer time (what little summer we seem to be getting!).  I have raised this issue with local Police and it is increasingly clear that many residents are suffering because of the careless actions of a minority.

Yesterday afternoon I was in Ingleby Barwick, braving the intermittent rain and collecting signatures in support of the campaign for a new secondary school.  Yet again the level of support was overwhelming.  I spoke to two parents who were having to send their children to schools elsewhere in the Borough because a sibling, who had attended All Saints, had left the local school before their younger brother or sister was old enough to start, meaning the younger child could not secure a place.  The situation is set to get worse as Ingleby Barwick expands with further building and the campaign for a new school is not going to go away until a resolution is found.

Last night I welcomed Lord Bates, formerly a Teesside Conservative MP and now Vice Chairman of the Conservative Party to a dinner with local business people.  It was an opportunity for the owners and managers of a variety of business from across the Tees Valley to comment on the policies they would like to see if our region is to prosper under a Conservative government.  The discussion was wide ranging and detailed, with some challenging questions and comments.  I am sure Michael went away with much food for thought after what was an enjoyable and productive evening.