Stephen Bates said "it is great to have so much such support - from both Houses of Parliament - as I seek to share a fresh modern progressive positive Conservative message across the North East, including in my own constituency of Newcastle North, to free it from the shackles of Ed Miliband's Labour Party. It was great to be able to discuss the local needs of Newcastle with those influential in the corridors of power and I am very grateful for all of their help and support in listening to those needs"