James Wharton MP

Yesterday afternoon I went along to a fundraiser at the community centre on Peel Street in Thornaby.  The event was organised by the Thornaby Asian Ladies’ Prayer Group, who were raising money for Butterwick Hospice and local projects.  It was well attended in the glorious afternoon sunshine.  I bought a few things from the various stalls and the food was excellent.  It is a shame the Labour MP did not take the time to attend, she could have spent some of that £400 per month she claims for food on a local cause…

I have given my backing to the Great North Revolution campaign, to encourage and develop those industries on which we can build our future.

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I have collected a box of leaflets for Yarm Gala, on Sunday 21st June.  I will do my best to distribute them to help advertise the event, which is a great example of what Yarm’s excellent Conservative run Town Council is achieving.  Yarm Gala is now in its second year and there is something for all the family.  If you are in the area and can come along please do, this is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the town and its history as well as a great day out.

The official Yarm Gala website can be found at www.yarmgala.co.uk

Last night I attended the count for the European elections in Thornaby.   It soon became clear that both Labour and the Lib Dems were doing poorly.  In the end Conservatives topped the poll, with over 2,000 more votes than second place Labour and nearly twice as many as fourth placed Lib Dems.  As this count covered both Stockton North and Stockton South it bodes well for our chances at the next general election.  UKIP came in second, only a short way behind Labour, but regionally it was not enough for them to secure a seat.  Thank you to all those residents who helped to re elect Conservative MEP Martin Callanan.  Now the focus turns back to the next general election, which is less than one year away.

Last night I attended the verification for the European elections here in Stockton.  The verification comes before the count and is a checking process, to ensure that the number of ballot papers in each ballot box equals the number of people who visited the polling station.  Around the room there were some concerned faces from different political parties as the boxes were opened up but we will have to wait until Sunday for the actual count.  Certainly things are not looking great for Labour in the news at the moment…