James Wharton MP

I enjoyed a Christmas meal in Yarm with our local campaign team.  As we head into 2010 Gordon Brown has to call an election within the next 6 months.  No doubt January onwards will be a very busy time!

Last night I spoke at a Christmas tea fundraiser run by Richmond Conservatives A66 branch. It was a lovely evening and well attended. Richmond have always given support to the Party here in Stockton South and William Hague, who is their local MP, has kindly agreed to speak at a fundraiser for my campaign in the New Year.

Last night I attended the BSF consultation meeting at Grangefield school, along with local Conservative Councillors Phillip Broughton and Aidan Cockerill.  The meeting was quite well attened, although some residents were concerned that not enough had been done to advertise it.  The new proposal to move Westlands School onto part of the Grangefield site (although totally separate) was controversial.  We will have to see how this progresses but I know that Phillip and Aidan will do all they can to ensure the community is fully consulted before any decisions are taken.

I have received lots of positive feedback from our “Reports Back” newsletter, which has gone out across Stockton South this week. Staying in touch and keeping residents informed is a big part of what I do, and something many MPs including the local Labour MP do not do very well. It is always good to get feedback, especially when some of it is as encouraging as we have received recently.

Yesterday I spent the morning and afternoon in Yarm, helping to deliver the latest edition of intouch along with our end of year “Report Back” newsletter.