James Wharton MP

On Friday I visited the Butterwick Hospice to see the facilities and learn more about how they are funded and the good work they do.  It is a wonderful facility, providing extremely high quality care for those in need.  I was particularly impressed by the work that is done to support families who have lost loved ones, with facilities specially designed to cater for their needs and a great team of support staff and counsellors.  Like most local people I have taken part in fundraising for the Butterwick over the years.  Mary Butterwick has achieved such a great deal and done so much good for local families, it is no wonder the hospice is considered so fondly by people right across Teesside.

Tonight I attended a fundraiser organised by Kendra Pilcher and Change for a Smile.  This great organisation raises huge amounts for local and national charities and Kendra should be congratulated for all that she does.

http://www.changeforasmile.piczo.com/

I have just been interviewed by the BBC Politics Show about Labour’s failing health policies.  It will go out this Sunday.  You never really know how an interview has gone, especially as a great deal depends on how it is cut for the programme but i was able to make some key points and to address some of the changes we must see if we are to get the public services we deserve.

Since Sunday afternoon I have been in Birmingham at the Conservative Party conference. The mood was unusual, with the week being rather overshadowed by the financial cirsis.  All in all though it was a good conference and I felt that David Cameron hit the right notes, addressing some of the key issues facing the UK and making an excellent speech yesterday that set out his own personal philosophy and the direction in which the Party is moving.