James Wharton MP

Today I had an interesting discussion about the Regional Developement Agency with someone who has seen it “in action”.  Suffice to say there are a number of concerns!  We need to find a way to ensure that RDAs deliver more, with less red tape, and this is a topic I am going to be exploring further in the run up to the Conservative Party conference in October.

Today I walked down into Yarm for the (now annual) Yarm Gala.  This event is organised by the Conservative councillors on Yarm Town Council, who promised to re introduce a Gala prior to their election in 2007.  This was the second Gala since their election and we were blessed with fine weather, unlike last year!

Yarm High Street was packed with visitors from across the Borough and beyond, with bell boat racing, live stage acts and a Victorian fun fair amongst the attractions. 

Everyone seemed to enjoy the event, with some of the teething issues from last year ironed out nicely.  Yarm Gala is a great example of Conservatives delivering on their promises when elected locally.  Yarm’s Conservative run Town Council and Conservative Borough Councillors can rightly be proud of all they have achieved in the last few years and I am confident that the people of Yarm will continue to give them their wholehearted support.

The Northern Echo has published a letter I wrote about democracy in the wake of the Iran crisis:

http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/features/letters/4447598.
Cherish_our_democracy/

This morning was the count for the Ingleby Barwick West by election.  The result was not unexpected, but it was encouraging to see that the Conservatives were the only party to significantly improve our position (polling nearly twice as many votes as third placed Labour).  Conservative candidate Kelvin Mirfin ran a good campaign, focusing on local issues and working hard on behalf of residents.

In the end though congratulations must go to Independent candidate Jean Kirby, who won with a substantial majority- well done Jean!

Tomorrow is polling day for the Ingleby Barwick West by-election.  Kelvin Mirfin, the excellent Conservative candidate, has been working hard and meeting hundreds of residents over the course of the campaign. I am backing Kelvin’s campaign as I believe he is the right person to take Ingleby Barwick forward.

However residents choose to vote I hope that turnout will not be as low as seen in recent by elections in the area.  Of course, this is not helped by the actions of some local parties and I have had reports of some rather unpelasant campaign tactics being used on the doorstep.  Still, Kelvin has set out a positive platform, sticking to the truth and focusing on what he would do for the community.  Let’s hope he is successful!