GORDON HENDERSON MP

23rd April 2010

William Hague Visits Sittingbourne and Sheppey

'Voters in Sittingbourne and Sheppey have the power to change the outcome of the election according to the Shadow Foreign Secretary.'

William Hague made the comment during a whistle stop tour of Sittingbourne High Street on Wednesday, April 21. Mr Hague visited the town to support the Conservative party political candidate for the constituency, Gordon Henderson, who is running for office in this year’s general election.

“Sittingbourne and Sheppey is strategically very important to the Conservative party and could serve to change the shape and outcome of the election and the Government,” said Mr Hague. “The electorate here has the power to make a difference. While Labour won it on a recount last time we are determined to get Gordon in this time.

“He will make a really good MP and stands as someone who would fight for the community. The main thing is you have on offer someone who would put the constituency first.”

Mr Hague and Mr Henderson were met enthusiastically by members of the community during a twenty minute walk about.

Bank worker Nikki Massiah spent several minutes talking to the two men. She asked how the benefits system would change.

Mr Hague told Ms Massiah the Conservative party would aim to get the number of people claiming unemployment benefit and incapacity benefit down by introducing compulsory training and education packages.

He added: “If people can work and they don’t then they will lose their benefits. There are too many people, particularly young people, claiming benefits and we believe more training would enable many to get back into work.”

Miss Massiah said talking to the two men helped her to make up her mind about who she would vote for.

She added: “I liked Mr Hague’s answer to my question about benefits. He told me exactly what he’d do if they get in rather than waffling and I liked that.

“I believe in the benefits system, and that people who really need it should be looked after but it’s got out of control and I think too many people claim benefits that don’t need it and I’d like to see that change, especially in Sittingbourne.

“I was unsure who I would vote for. I watched the debate on television and I was going to vote for the Liberal Democrats but I think I’m going to vote for Gordon Henderson now.”

Before continuing on his tour of seven towns around the county Mr Hague took the opportunity to praise Mr Henderson for his election campaigning saying: “All credit to Gordon for sticking it out for five years. I’m looking forward to seeing him on the green benches.”