Page 13 - link magazine

13
LETTER FROM WESTMINSTER

Michael made a Minister after PM saves a soul

My life changed on 4 January when my office received a call from the 10 Downing Street switchboard asking me to wait by the phone.
An hour and a half later, they got through, he told me he had exciting and challenging time and year in Stratton. Every surgery
rang me again to say the Prime good news and that he wanted me I feel remarkably lucky and privi- brings a new set of problems and
Minister wanted to talk to me from to become the junior minister at leged to have been given this op- this one was no exception. I be-
his holiday in the Seychelles. the Department of Trade and In- portunity to serve. came an MP to try to help people
I held on the line, but two min- dustry, responsible for small firms. Throughout this, I have been de- and the work I do in North Swin-
utes later the op- The next day I termined to ensure that I can con- don is central to this.
erator came back was in the De- tinue to work for my constituents - Now I have the opportunity to
to say there had partment, meet- and to see my family. Fortunately, try to help as a minister as well.
been a change of ing the Perma- the officials understand this and But I believe I will never be a good
plan and that I nent Secretary are used to arranging the work- minister unless I am also an effec-
should expect a and my Private load so that ministers can still tive constituency MP. Only by serv-
call at any time Office. spend time in their constituencies. ing their constituencies well can
between then I already had Four days after becoming a min- ministers keep in touch with the
and midnight. one piece of good ister, I held my first surgery of the needs and wishes of the people.
By this time I news that day
was very con- when I heard that
fused. I had not theplanningper-
been quite sure mission for the
why the Prime new hospital was
Minister had to be allowed to
wanted to talk to proceed. Since I Agencies
me and I had no was elected over
idea why it now 18 months ago, I LANDLORDS
appeared that he have been fight-
no longer wished ing to make sure Do you have a property to let?
to speak to me. that Swindon got
A week later the story emerged the new hospital it so badly needs. We offer the most complete and only
that, to achieve a good satellite Now it looks as if we will get it. guaranteed management service in the region.
'phone link, the Prime Minister had When I arrived at the Depart-
to go offshore onto the Indian ment of Trade and Industry, my We have tenants waiting for
Ocean in a boat. While waiting for name was already on the door and quality residential properties
a connection with Britain, he had an impressive team of six civil serv- For further information or advice, call 01793 431725
saved a tired swimmer from the ants were ready with my first set
www.swindonlink.com
sea. I assume that he was actually of briefs and a diary already full of
hauling him out of the sea while I appointments.
was waiting on the line. Since then, my feet have hardly
When the Prime Minister finally touched the ground. It has been an

Inspector to be inspected STOP
Chris Woodhead, the controversial head of the government's schools
inspection service Ofsted, puts himself in the firing line when he
visits the town on 24 February, 6pm to 7.30pm, at Swindon College,
for a meeting arranged by Swindon South MP Julia Drown.
LOOK and LISTEN before you commit yourself to any
major home improvement. New windows, doors and
especially a new conservato ry
Another deselection can transform your home...
The Link reported last month that but its worth using this Ec IST
Toothill ward councillor and Swin- c
don Council leader Maurice Fan- si mple checklist: q HOicE•Are the
ning had been deselected by the range of designs and va io s good
f "'' ` a . locking options?
local Labour Party, apparently be-
cause he does not live in the area. O REPU
TATION: 15
it a well known
Our apologies to Swindon coun- L OCAL firm, well established
cillor for Freshbrook and Grange with a re putation to protect?
Park, Matthew May for stating that
none of three councillors for that
O Q U ALITY . Are the pro
ducts they
"Parents and teachers have ward live in the area. He moved to installsupp//ed by a major
raised their concerns with me and Grange Park after the 1996 election. national manuf
I am now giving them the chance But now he has been deselected Coastal? acturer like
to inspect the inspector," she said. by the Freshbrook Labour Party. 0 GUARA.PJr E. •
is my investment
"The Government shares the de- "Having moved to the area after Properly protected?
sire of parents and teachers to raise the last local election, I'm obvi-
standards in schools; I hope this ously disappointed that I am not
meeting will be part of a continu- being given the chance to defend
ing lively debate about how to the seat," he said.
improve those standards." Alison Durrant from Highworth C E RM I N WINDOWS
The meeting is likely to open has been selected to fight the seat
with a presentation about Ofsted for Labour in the May elections. Telephone 824419
by Mr Woodhead, followed by Until then Matthew May can be A supplier and installer of r^ Windows. doors and conse rvatories
questions from the floor. contacted on 877595.