James Wharton MP

I was saddened to learn that last night Frank Cook, MP for Stockton North from 1983 – 2010 passed away. Frank was my local MP when I grew up in Wolviston Village. He always took the time to speak to me and offer advice when I saw him and his long record of service to the people of Stockton will not be forgotten.

Last week I visited Sri Lanka to meet with government representatives, discuss UK – Sri Lanka relations and visit post war reconstruction work in the North and East of the country. It was a fascinating and extremely useful visit and brought home just how important a partner Sri Lanka can and should be as we seek to expand global trade.

Today I arrived back from London to spend Christmas in Stockton with family. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all constituents a very Merry Christmas and the very best for 2012.

On Friday I made a number of constituency visits, including Yarm Methodist Church and Yarm school. On Saturday morning I attended the excellent Eaglescliffe Community Centre annual fundraiser in the morning and a wedding at Egglescliffe church in the late morning/afternoon. On Sunday I turned on the Christmas tree lights in Yarm. All in all a hectic but enjoyably festive weekend!

A busy weekend. On Friday I had the honour of presenting a plaque to Ian Ramsey School in honour of two former pupils who flew in the Battle of Britain. One, Len Davies, was present and it was a real honour to meet him.

I also attended a hearing of the Boundary Commission to put on record my concerns about the proposal to put Newton Aycliffe and Yarm together in one constituency.

On Saturday I attended the Stockton Baptist Tabernacle to see the new Minister, Andrew Waugh, former introduced and then in the evening attended a fundraiser for A Way Out, the excellent local charity.