Dear Sirs,

As an active member of South Durham Conservatives, I worked closely with Paul Howell MP during the 2019 General Election campaign and remember having a number of conversations with other members and party staff, trying to convince them that the political situation had changed and that we really could win in Sedgefield if we just got out there and connected with people. So, when the results came in, I wasn’t as surprised as many outside observers.

Eighteen months on and I still hold the view that the political earthquake, which is sweeping through our region, has not come to an end. I remain sure that if the Conservatives remain true to the vision of levelling up, delivering common sense policies and listening to our communities, we will finally break Labour’s century long dominance of County Durham.

At its core, this election is about what kind of place we want County Durham to be, not just for the next five years but for the next fifty. Do we want to continue to elect the same old Labour Councillors, people who don’t listen, who don’t care and who fundamentally take the voters for granted then promise they are going to change the world at election time, or do we want to finally say enough is enough?

Electing a strong Conservative team, that will cooperate with our newly elected Conservative MPs across the County, will ensure a team who will look to the future, will promote our region, and will deliver a transparent, common sense Council. This is not just a once in a generation opportunity, but once in a century, to finally show Labour that enough is enough, that we won’t let them continue with business as usual.

I have no doubt there are many hard working Councillors who do care about their communities and want to affect change, but any political environment where elected representatives don’t have to worry about the outcome of the choices they make because of a lack of political competition is unhealthy and ultimately detrimental to the general public.

You can vote for the Conservatives in every division – and none of them have been shipped in from Billingham or Redcar, as alleged by other parties:

Martin Peeke in Aycliffe East;

Tony Stubbs and David Sutton-Lloyd in Aycliffe North & Middridge;

Elizabeth Maw in Aycliffe West.

So, on the 6th May, it’s time to make a change, it’s time for fresh ideas and fresh leadership, it’s time to choose Councillors who will work together for the good of Newton Aycliffe, so it’s time to vote Conservative.

Jack Sowerby

Deputy Chairman (Political)

South Durham Conservatives