Being to told F*** off in Wheatley Hill

Sedgefield Conservative Blog



Saturday was one of the most active in my campaign to become the new MP for Sedgefield.

It started with media interviews before visiting a fantasic factory with George Osbourne MP, the shadow chancellor. The factory, EOS in Newton Aycliffe manufactures steel framed houses that can be assembled quickly and efficiently and have real environment benefits. The firm is owned by local businessman Michael O'Connell who endorses my approach to business - giving priority to indigenious business here in the North East in order to create a wider economic base and deliver growth, opportunity and wealth for the future. The newspapers got some great photos and the BBC filmed a report.

Next we had a meeting with the North East Chamber of Commerce at Hardwick Hall. We were extensively briefed on the Net Park problems brought about by the Government's changes to plans for a 48 hectare high tech business park by reducing it to only 13 hectares! William Hague joined us and we also discussed transport and highways agency issues.

Next it was fish and chips in Sedgefield with William Hague. We met loads of people in the street and popped into the shops to canvass support. William received a very warm reception.

Tyne Tees TV interviewed me for a film to be shown on Tuesday night and then it was the highlight of my day, a trip to the Trimdons and Wheatley Hill. Although support for the Conservatives is not as strong as in other areas....! I did think I should visit the Wheatley Hill Constituional club. When I walked in there were some predicatable jeers but the best bit was a goodf humoured encounter with an ex-miner. He stood next to the bar and told me to F*** off!!! Then had the grace to tell me he told Tony Blair to F*** Off too! My response, 'its good to get equal treatment in the Constitutional Club!'

The occasion of our former PM's instruction to go forth and multiple was when the miner had worked a tough nightshift underground and was canvassed one election by Mr Blair at 10 in the morning, thus disturbing his sleep. The encounter ended as I was leaving the club and the fella shouted back to me 'how many times have you been asked to F*** off?' My answer was twice and I raised the appropriate number of fingers, just in case he couldn't hear. Fortunately the crowd laughed!!!

Finally a very wet night canvassing in Cobblers Hall estate in Aycliffe and the first injury of the campaign as a worker was biten by a dog. Obviously a Labour dog.

Graham Robb Blog