What would you bring to the role of MEP?
John Flack: I am a successful businessman as well as having stood for the Euro Parliament twice before. I will speak up for the Eastern Counties with common sense based on traditional Conservative principles. I seek to work with fellow Conservatives to halt and then reverse progress to a single European super-state. If elected I will be a full time MEP promoting the interests of the Eastern Counties. I will be on your side not Brussels'. (Photo is John at yesterday's IWAR lobby explaining to an OAP why we need a referendum).
Jonathan Morgan: I'm a businessman, leading one of the Region's largest professional firms, managing about £2bn of contracts - as such I'm able to bring an astute understanding of what Brussels' bureaucracy means to real businesses in the Eastern Region, and the effect it has on job and wealth creation.
Vicky Ford: I will bring exceptional energy to the role. I offer experience of international finance and business at the highest level as well as local political experience. I am committed to combating fraud, putting the East of England and Britain first, getting a fair deal for our money – I won’t forget small businesses, mums at the school gate or our farmers. Please visit my website for more information.
Clare Whelan: I have a great deal of political and practical experience as a leading councillor, former magistrate, and director of a political pressure group. I am used to working at local, national and European level and with multi-million pound budgets. However big the figures though I always think about how proposals impact real people. My particular area of interest is the environment. I am a fan of smaller government and will push for less bureaucracy and red tape and stand up for the interests of the Eastern area.
Claire Strong: Experience - from my successful business career in the IT industry combined with 13 years in local government. I am a hard working campaigner and team player with plenty of energy and used to speaking up for the community I currently serve. As an MEP I would do the same. I will campaign for a EU that is reformed to do less and be more accountable.
Why have you chosen to stand for the Eastern Area?
John Flack: I have only applied to the East of England Team (I prefer not to use the artificial term “Eastern Region”) I have a lifetimes knowledge and experience gained living, working and campaigning in the six Eastern Counties. I served the Party as Regional Chairman 2003-6 and in many other roles.
Jonathan Morgan: I was born, educated and brought up in Suffolk, and now work in the
Region. I also stood at the last European Elections,campaigning hard
to be East Anglia's 4th Conservative MEP - working in 35
constituencies across the Region. I am absolutely determined, that we
will return a full team this time, to give the region an even stronger
Conservative voice.
Vicky Ford: I live in the heart of the East of England. As a local councillor, I see the challenges coping with growth, infrastructure and demographic change faced across the region. Our MEPs need to be equipped to represent the whole region, to highlight these problems and to help find solutions.
Clare Whelan: I was brought up in Norfolk and many generations of my family, on both
my mother’s and father’s side, come from the area, where we have a long
record of public service. Our family home is still here. It is the
only Region I have applied for and where I wish to serve.
Claire Strong: I live and work in Hertfordshire – been here for over 25 years. I stood for this region in the 2004 election and I understand many of challenges we have here. I already know the Eastern region MEPs,MPs, Parliamentary candidates and local Councillors and I look forward to working with them to maximise the Conservative vote.
