12/04/2010
Posted by adam
Phil Hope, Corby
Tory Target #19
My name is Phil Hope and I am the MP for Corby and East 
Northamptonshire. My majority at the last election was a super-marginal 1500, meaning that this election there is likely to be just a few hundred votes in it between us and the Tories.
I am immensely proud to have represented the people of my constituency and together we have transformed the town of Corby from a run down area into a once again thriving community with new facilities and new opportunities. We have anew town centre, swimming pool, theatre and library, two new schools and 6 new children’s centres. He have more jobs, a new Further Education College on the way and all of the national policies that have transformed life for a great many people.
In the East we have stood up and fought for the rights of rural people against a difficult District Council who have denied, among other things, free swimming for young people and have denied older people their right to free bus travel. We have defended the post office in Barnwell, have campaigned for funding for village halls and we have secured a Health Centre for Irthingborough against the wishes of the Tory Council.
In terms of activity Lord Ashcroft has bankrolled the Tory campaign practically single handedly. His money has paid for a full time organiser for the last two years and has flooded our area with Tory leaflets. If this wasn’t enough my opponent is a multi-millionaire in her own right and is outspending us on every front. In short the Tories think that they can buy this seat with their money and this is something that we can’t allow to happen.
With volunteers too the Tory campaign is relying on hundreds of pro-hunting activists to flood the constituency in recognition that a Tory win here would strengthen their desire for a repeal of the ban on hunting with dogs. Neither my opponent nor her activists are local to this area and a win here would have a hugely detrimental effect on all of the good work that we have been doing.
We have fought hard as a community to realise the change that we all wanted for Corby and East Northamptonshire and we can’t put these successes at risk with a Tory victory. It is therefore my hope that you will either donate or volunteer to help secure Hope For Corby!
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Candidate: Phil Hope
Seat: Corby
Currently held by: Labour
Majority: 1517