James Wharton

I was out this morning in Thornaby, meeting residents and distributing our regular newsletter.  Afterwards I went to ASDA in the town centre and then on to Ingleby Barwick for the rest of the day.

The response from residents continues to be excellent, with some interesting questions about policy and local issues but also a great deal of support.

As we head towards Remembrance Sunday the BNP have tried to associate themselves with the occasion.  This cannot be allowed.

Our office in Stockton went through the final stages of preparation for some new equipment this morning, which meant I had to be in early doors to help the technician get in and set up.  I took the opportunity to catch up with some more post, the mailbag is getting bigger ever week!

I then attended a meeting in Yarm with our Campaign Director to discuss the next election and what we will be doing locally to campaign for a change of government.  It was extremely positive and I am looking forward to putting some of our plans into action over the coming weeks and months.

On Sunday morning Stockton Conservatives hosted a meeting of Parliamentary Candidates from across the area.  It was a chance to discuss local campaigns and plans for the General Election.  We have some excellent candidates across Cleveland and Durham, with many already working hard in their own areas.  Here in Stockton South I am the longest running candidate, having been selected nearly three years ago.  It is nice to now have some neighbours in the surrounding areas!

I attended a lunch with local business people and Conservative Party Chairman, Eric Pickles MP in Darlington.  It was a good opportunity to explore some of the issues facing the Tees Valley and Eric fielded a wide range of localised questions.  If the Conservatives win the next election there will be a lot to do in this area, which has been so badly let down by its Labour MPs.