Sept 18th 2007  

The Prime Minister’s Parliamentary Private Secretary, Angela Smith, MP for Basildon and East Thurrock, visited Castle Point to formally launch the Labour Party’s general election candidate’s campaign. The former Northern Ireland Minister introduced Julian Ware-Lane, Castle Point’s Labour Candidate who will take on the sitting Conservative Member of Parliament at the next election.
A good crowd of activists at the Labour Hall in Lionel Road, Canvey Island unsuccessfully tested Angela’s resolve, asking when the Prime Minister will call the next election. She replied that only the Prime Minister knows the date and he is keeping it a close secret. However, Angela said that whenever the election is called The Labour Party, both locally and nationally, will be ready.
Julian Ware-Lane told those assembled that Castle Point Labour Party is looking forward to the election, asking only to be judged on manifesto commitments and the government's record of achievement. He commented: “The country has benefited from so many new initiatives, such as the National Minimum Wage, the ban on hunting with dogs and the independence of the Bank of England to set interest rates. The Health Service has seen the elimination of patients on beds in corridors and educational standards are rising to where more children are able to play a full part in a high-skilled, low unemployment economy.” 

Julian also said that Angela Smith is a shining example of what a good MP looks like. "Angela is a good community MP, and will be my role model if elected. Her part in the peace process in Northern Ireland also demonstrates her credentials at the highest level."