I learn of a boost for James Wharton, the Conservative candidate for Stockton South: his UKIP opponent, Kelvin Mirfin (pictured on the left with James on the right), has stood down, defected to the Conservatives and is now supporting James's campaign.
Mr Mirfin, who had been UKIP's parliamentary spokesman for Stockton South since October 2007, says of his decision:
“We desperately need a change of government and that can only be achieved by voting Conservative at the next general election. I have seen James’s work in the local community and I was impressed with what he is doing. I wanted to join his campaign because I am sure he will make a superb MP and because voting Conservative is the only way to get Labour out here in Stockton South”.
James Wharton adds:
“Kelvin is enthusiastic and lives locally, he has some great ideas and I am sure he will be an asset to our team. I am pleased to welcome him to the Party and look forward to working together in the interests of residents across Stockton South.”
Kelvin Mirfin is the second former parliamentary candidate to defect from another party to back James Wharton's campaign; since December 2007 he has had the support of Nigel Boddy, who contested Hartlepool for the Lib Dems in 2001.
Jonathan Isaby