James Wharton MP

Last night I attended a meeting with the Conservative Party’s Campaign Director for this area.  With the conference season nearly upon us and a general election getting ever closer we need to make plans for how best to spend our time when the campaign is officially launched.  The Labour MP has been trying to jump on several local bandwagons so has clearly started campaigning already.  Unfortunately for her people are wise to politicians who only turn up at election time.  We have been working hard for local people all year round for several years since my selection in early 2007.  We need an MP who is there all the time and who really does represent local people, not someone who is only interested in residents when she wants their votes.

Out in Hartburn meeting residents.  The response was extremely positive and we have picked up a number of local issues which can be resolved by the local Conservative councillors.

I am quoted in a Northern Echo article about calls by local businesses for the government to do more to support industry in the Tees Valley:

http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/business/
4541886.Industries_call_for_action_to_retain_skilled_workforce/

I met a number of young party members who want to get involved with campaigning in Stockton South.  It is great to have so many young people showing an active interest.

They are going to co ordinate a new aspect of the work we do and it will be interesting to see hwo it works out.

Today I was out in Grangefield ward with the two local Conservative Councillors, Phillip Broughton and Aidan Cockerill.  Since their election in 2007 they have worked extremely hard to represent residents and produce regular newsletters keeping people informed.  The feedback has been extremely positive, although quite a few residents are annoyed about the MPs expenses issue, with some saying they will never vote Labour again after the actions of the local MP.