Responsibility

Here David Cameron is explaining how the Conservatives are on a quest to allow people to take responsibilty for their actions.

Consett - The Place to Be.

Cleaners Worth More Than Bankers?

It was reported by the New Economics Foundation (NEF) that 'hospital cleaners are worth more to society than City Bankers.' The NEF devised new methodology to calculate the social value of different jobs. They concluded that 'hospital cleaners create more than £10 in value for every £1 they receive in pay.' And that 'bankers who earn over £500,000, destroy £7 of value for every £1 they create.' When I told Ethel, a hospital cleaner whose worked on the same ward for over thirty years, she replied 'that information is worth far more to me than any City bonus!' One thing I know for sure - Ethel, you're one in a million.

Local Hero

This blog is dedicated to Corporal Lee Brownson, 30, from Bishop Auckland, who was sadly killed in a bomb blast near Sangin, in Helmand province, on Friday. The blast also claimed the life of Rifleman Luke Farmer, 19, from West Yorkshire.

Corporal Brownson leaves widow, Leeanne, who is expecting the couple’s third child this summer, and daughters Ginalee and Morgan. My thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with his family and friends at this sad time. The deaths of the two men take the number of British service personnel killed in Afghanistan since the start of operations in 2001 to 249. May their sacrifice never be forgotten.

The Big Thaw

The snow has started to melt.

We all like chocolate

Speaking as someone who likes chocolate, I was interested to read a post written by Robert Halfon, the PPC for Harlow, about the take over of Cadbury.

Thank you

During this episode of winter snow I wanted to say a special big thank you to all community workers. I have personally watched ambulance drivers work tirelessly in all weather conditions to ensure our emergency service remained fully operational - well done.

Hewitt

There have been many posts on this blog about Patricia Hewitt, examples such as this. During the time that she was Health Secretary, I heard many health professionals say 'we can't go on like this'.

Fundraising for the North West Durham campaign

As readers here know I am currently standing as the Conservative candidate for the beautiful constituency of North West Durham. I do this completely voluntarily. If you want to join me in trying to make a difference, please feel free to donate direct to my campaign on line. Thank you.

North West Durham

Many thanks to all the people who have kindly followed this blog over the years. Until further notice this blog has been moved to here.