Pictured: MPs Eric Pickles, Julian Lewis, David Gauke and Malcolm Moss.
Dear Chums,
These are momentous and historic times in politics – an economy in turmoil, a delusional Prime Minster who actually believes 0% is an increase, and a country desperate for change.
David Cameron has shown leadership, and that he is prepared to take difficult decisions. David’s handling of the expenses issue has been in marked contrast with Brown’s dithering.
I don’t have to remind you of the fun we had last year in Crewe and Nantwich and in Henley. Or the impact that defeating Labour in a safe seat in a northern stronghold had on the Labour Party and Gordon Brown’s floundering administration.
Well it is time to get back in the saddle, and ride to the next showdown in Norwich. There were many reasons why Edward Timpson secured the first Conservative gain in a by-election for more than 25 years, but I have no doubt that a key component was down to people like you.
In Crewe we out gunned, out delivered and out campaigned Labour and the Lib Dems. Through sheer hard work, we triumphed. The commitment of our activists made me proud – nothing was too much effort, such was our determination to win. I have never seen a more dedicated and motivated bunch of people. You travelled from all over the country, by car and bus and train to secure an historic victory. We campaigned hard, we had fun, and as a result we won. Mrs Pickles particularly enjoyed her holiday in the Cheshire Riviera.
My colleague Theresa May is already firmly ensconced in our by-election HQ, and I have secured lodgings for the duration. I want you to do your bit, get on the phone and email, round up your friends, and organise a posse to join us in Norwich. I particularly hope to see the thousands of councillors that delivered such brilliant election results over the last couple of years to giving us the benefits of those finely honed canvassing skills. You will be guaranteed a warm welcome, a hot beverage, and an empty canvass sheet to complete.
Our excellent candidate, Chloe Smith lives in Norfolk, and has been working hard. If we are going to win on 23rd July, our challenge is to reconnect and reassure the voters of Norwich that we understand their concerns and we are determined to deliver the change they so desperately want to see.
You can contact the campaign on [email protected] or by telephoning 01603 414774. You could even join the ConservativeHome bus and its Krispy Kreme donuts!
So come on, let’s bring the Crewe and Nantwich magic to East Anglia, and do our bit to bring the Gordon Brown farewell tour just that little built closer.
Eric
> From Saturday: A video appeal from Eric Pickles for the Norwich North campaign
