In reply to Vince Crosby’s letter in last week’s Newton News where he questions both my localism and my capacity to perform the role, I would say it is absolutely normal to see local Councillors standing to be the MP, as they have an in depth knowledge of the constituency they wish to represent. Whilst I thoroughly enjoy being a local Councillor it is absolutely the norm to stand down as a Councillor in order to fulfil the role of MP.
When it comes to being local, I was born in Ferryhill, went to school in Newton Aycliffe and have lived in Darlington ever since. Whilst Newton Aycliffe is the largest town in the constituency and where I would base my office if elected, there is also so much more to it.
The Sedgefield constituency includes over 40 towns or villages and reaches from Hurworth to Thornley and from Middridge to Bishopton and when I leave my front door in Darlington whether I go north, south, east or west I arrive in the constituency.
If elected I will serve all the residents of all the constituency.
Paul Howell
Conservative Party
Candidate for Sedgefield
