Dear Sir,
I read Phil Wilson’s comments in the Newton News and also in his formal Election Communication with incredulity.
I think the now dissolved coalition Government would disagree with Mr Wilson’s recollection of events. It was the government that awarded the Intercity Express Programme contract to Hitachi and have supported more jobs and investment to the area. If he had evidence of them trying to scupper this deal I am sure he would have produced it at some point in the past!
Mr Wilson also claims he has successfully campaigned for an improvement in Newton Aycliffe Town Centre. People can see for themselves how many empty shops there are. If that his definition of success I think his judgement must be called into question, such as voting against taking low income families out of tax and voting against reducing business rates. (www.theyworkforyou.com/mp/13933/phil_wilson/sedgefield).
Another topic he raises is that of wind farms. Two Conservative MP’s recently sponsored a bill that would end subsidies for onshore wind farms. Both the Liberal Democrats and Mr Wilson’s Labour Party opposed the bill. You can’t have your cake and eat it Mr Wilson!
Mr Wilson also claims to be a supporter of the NHS. Is this the same Phil Wilson who promised Bishop Auckland Hospital would become a centre of excellence for many medical departments. These included a stroke unit, haematology and orthopaedic (planned surgery). The stroke unit was closed down and relocated and the promise of Bishop Auckland being the centre of “all things blood related” now rings rather hollow.
Mr Wilson’s claims do not stand up to scrutiny. The people of Sedgefield will be hoodwinked no longer. It is about time we had a new MP for this constituency. A Conservative MP will represent all constituents, not just those who vote for his or her party.
Scott Wood,
Conservative Candidate