24 November 2004
Treasury Minister returns to Ryedale roots
John Healey, MP for Wentworth and Economic Secretary at HM Treasury, visited Ryedale last week. In addition to a visit to Lady Lumley’s School of which he was a past pupil, he gave the keynote speech of Ryedale Labour Party’s Annual Dinner.
Paul Blanchard, Labour’s Parliamentary Candidate for Ryedale, said:
“We were very grateful to John for agreeing to speak. His speech outlined the government’s achievements in Ryedale since 1997: long-term unemployment has fallen by over 85 per cent, 658 more nurses and 116 more GPs, 452 more teachers, 54 more police officers, to name just a few. I was particularly impressed that the number of infants in classes of more than 30 in North Yorkshire has fallen from 1,221 to just 93.
“His address had given me, and the rest of the local party, the inspiration that we need to fight the election next year - to win!”
John Healey - who was Labour’s Parliamentary candidate in Ryedale in 1992 - said:
“It was great to see so many old friends. I have really fond memories of my time in Ryedale.
“We have every reason to be optimistic about Ryedale’s economic future. The jobless count has fallen dramatically and companies across the area are reporting strong profits. Labour is working in Ryedale.”
Coun Blanchard, 29, is married to Heather and lives in Heworth, York. In addition to his duties as a local councillor, he runs a small marketing business, is a business advisor and Chair of the York Board of Young Enterprise (a national education charity working with schools to encourage enterprise), and is studying part-time for a law degree. At City of York Council, he is Vice-Chair of Leader’s Scrutiny Panel.
