Meeting people is the only way to really learn about all the issues that concern the community. So on Saturday, I took my place alongside dozens of market traders and set up a street stall in front of Northallerton Town Hall – balloons, gazebo and all! It was a great opportunity to speak to dozens of shoppers and learn about the local and national issues on their mind.
Most people knew that William Hague is retiring and a new candidate (me!) had recently been selected to represent the Conservatives. It was lovely to receive so many warm wishes and words of support.
I enjoyed hearing everybody’s stories about William Hague. He is rightly held in much fondness and respect and has been not only a great MP for Richmond, but also made a significant contribution to our country as well. The proverbial “big boots” remain to be filled…
I spent most of the morning talking to local people about the economy. Shoppers were concerned about there being good jobs for everyone, whether wages would grow, and were we still living beyond our means?
Thankfully, the hard work is paying off. Enormous progress has been made in bringing the British economy on the road to recovery: 1.7 million more jobs have been created since 2010; the deficit has been cut by a third; wage growth is overtaking inflation. In Richmondshire and North Hambleton, the number claiming Jobseekers Allowance has fallen by from 1,300 to 800, giving the area one of the lowest rates of unemployment in the country. But of course, there is much more to be done.
I want to properly represent the people of our wonderful market towns and villages and that means listening. Look out for me as I continue doing many more street stalls like this around the constituency.