A COMPLAINT over a letter by Stockton South MP James Wharton is being reviewed by electoral officers from Stockton Borough Council.

The Conservative MP sent a letter to Yarm residents supporting one of three candidates standing in a Yarm Town Council by-election.

One of the candidates, Carole Jones, standing on behalf of the Yarm Independent Association, has complained to Stockton council about the wording.

In the letter, Mr Wharton says: "Our local town council has not always been a happy place, with occasional attempts by some to use it as a platform to make broader political points.

"I am writing because at least one of the candidates standing in this by-election is one of those individuals. I fear for the effectiveness of the council should the election "go the wrong way".

"There is no Conservative candidate, as the party does not generally contest such local elections, which we feel should be non-political. There is, though, a Yarm Residents Association candidate, Barbara Wegg. The Weggs are well known to many in the town for their work locally, from Bob's role at the allotments for many years to Barbara baking mince pies for the Christmas carols in the High Street.

"I would not usually endorse a non-Conservative party candidate, but I am able to do so because no Conservative is standing. As your MP I need local councillors I can work with, regardless of political views, for the good of the town. Yarm needs someone who will not play political games but will look after our community."

Mrs Jones said she felt that the wording of the letter was inappropriate and has asked for an apology.

The Yarm Residents Association and Yarm Independent Association are rival factions on the town council, and Mrs Jones as well as independent candidate Brian Newcombe have vowed to "end petty squabbling" in the town hall if they are elected.

A spokeswoman for the Returning Officer at Stockton Council said: "We have received a complaint and are currently reviewing it in line with relevant electoral guidance."

Mrs Wegg has said, if elected, she would hold housing developers to account and ensure they met their promises.

She added: "I married into an "old" Yarm family and have lived in our beautiful town for 45 years."

Construction worker Mr Newcombe, who has lived in Yarm for over 40 years, is running as an entirely independent candidate and has promised to "only make decisions for what's best for Yarm".

  • Mr Wharton was asked for a comment but said he would not speak to The Northern Echo.