Wharton’s Diary

A UKIP Parliamentary Candidate has left the party to join local Conservatives.

Kelvin Mirfin, who was appointed in October 2007 to be UKIP’s spokesman for the Stockton South constituency and who lives in Ingleby Barwick, has stood down as a parliamentary candidate to support the campaign of local Conservative, James Wharton.

Mr Mirfin said:

“We desperately need a change of government than that can only be achieved by voting Conservative at the next general election.

“I have seen James’ 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.

“I am supporting the Conservatives here in Stockton South because they offer the only real alternative to Labour.”

James added:

“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 in Ingleby Barwick and across Stockton South.”

Kelvin Mirfin is the second Parliamentary Candidate to join Mr Wharton’s team after the defection of former Liberal Democrat candidate for Hartlepool, Nigel Boddy, in December 2007.  Local Conservatives say it shows the breadth of their support and highlights how people are coming to the Party as the only realistic alternative to Labour.