20 May 2010
On Wednesday evening George took the oath of allegiance, allowing him to legally participate in votes and debates in the Commons.
The swearing in of Members is the second piece of business for the new Parliament, after the election of a speaker. Members of Parliament can choose to take the Oath or make an Affirmation, those preferring the former hold their choice of religious text in their right hand and say the following passage:
Photo: George Freeman takes the oath of allegiance in the House of Commons
The swearing in of Members is the second piece of business for the new Parliament, after the election of a speaker. Members of Parliament can choose to take the Oath or make an Affirmation, those preferring the former hold their choice of religious text in their right hand and say the following passage:
“I swear by Almighty God that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, her heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.”
Photo: George Freeman takes the oath of allegiance in the House of Commons
15 May 2010
The first Saturday after the election (Sat 15th) George wasted no time getting out to support the 'Our Wymondham' Campaigners petitioning against the risk of urban sprawl development to the North of the town ruining the market town's character.
"We need sustainable and properly planned local development - jobs and homes and community facilities for the long term - NOT mass house dumping forced on our communities and councils by a Planning system driven by Whitehall Targets.
Pictured here with Our Wymondham campaigners and Cllr Martin Wynne, George said:
"Our local councilors are doing a great job fighting for Wymondham, but we need to help them with a reformed Planning System that gives the power back to local communities and the councils they elect, instead of Labour's Development Quangoes which dont undertand or listen to Norfolk.
"I campaigned on this and related issues to do with the way we develop Norfolk, championed through my project The Norfolk Way, and I look forward to working in Parliament and with our local councils to get the right development for our area.
For more information on George's campaigns, work in Parliament or The Norfolk Way please contact george@thenorfolkway.co.uk
http://www.visionourwymondham.co.uk/
Photo: George supports the 'Our Wymondham' campaigners at Wymondham Farmers Market
"We need sustainable and properly planned local development - jobs and homes and community facilities for the long term - NOT mass house dumping forced on our communities and councils by a Planning system driven by Whitehall Targets.
Pictured here with Our Wymondham campaigners and Cllr Martin Wynne, George said:
"Our local councilors are doing a great job fighting for Wymondham, but we need to help them with a reformed Planning System that gives the power back to local communities and the councils they elect, instead of Labour's Development Quangoes which dont undertand or listen to Norfolk.
"I campaigned on this and related issues to do with the way we develop Norfolk, championed through my project The Norfolk Way, and I look forward to working in Parliament and with our local councils to get the right development for our area.
For more information on George's campaigns, work in Parliament or The Norfolk Way please contact george@thenorfolkway.co.uk
http://www.visionourwymondham.co.uk/
Photo: George supports the 'Our Wymondham' campaigners at Wymondham Farmers Market
7 May 2010
Read George's acceptance speech to the voters of Mid Norfolk on his election to Parliament.
Thank you Mr. Returning Officer, all your team here tonight, the Police and all those who have manned polling booths and worked behind the scenes to administer this election, for doing it on the night instead of tomorrow morning, and in such an exemplary and efficient way, on a night when there have been so many problems elsewhere.
It is an immense privilege to have been elected by the people of Mid Norfolk to represent them in Parliament and I want to thank all those who have placed their trust in me. I pledge now tonight to work hard for all the people of this constituency, regardless of their affiliation.
I would like to congratulate and thank the other Candidates for making this a clean positive campaign on the issues. We have all of us fought in a campaign at a time of deep disillusionment with politics and everyone who has taken part – in however small a way – can go home tonight proud of having done their bit.
My campaign has been about trying to rebuild some trust in politics through a deep commitment to Norfolk and the challenges and opportunities we face. We won by taking no vote for granted, knocking on over 20,000 doors with my team, and being out and about and accessible as humanly possible. There are no shortcuts to rebuilding trust in politics.
This is not the time to even begin to thank all those many people who have helped me here. Many of you are here tonight. You know who you are. My local Conservative Association, Chairman and Agent for selecting and supporting me, and a team of friends and local volunteers. I have had more support than I could ever have asked for, and I am sincerely grateful and aware of the trust you have placed in me.
There is one person who I can never thank enough: my wife Eleanor – who has held the family together over the last 6 years and been my rock. As we all know, partners in politics pay a high price and get little thanks.
Whatever the result, the Parliament which assembles next week - with over 300 new MPs - will be unrecognisable from the last. It needs to be. Whoever wins, the people of Britain have spoken with a clear voice on one thing: a demand for a better politics of integrity, duty and a commitment to people and place before party. Of course we need parties for Government, and I am proud tonight to be elected tonight as one of a new generation of Conservatives under David Cameron’s leadership. But good politics starts locally with hard working constituency MPs. For the new Mid Norfolk constituency It Starts Here.
Across the land tonight, in halls like this, a new generation is being summoned to serve our country in our Parliament. We carry a huge responsibility.
Thank you for placing your trust in us.
Thank you Mr. Returning Officer, all your team here tonight, the Police and all those who have manned polling booths and worked behind the scenes to administer this election, for doing it on the night instead of tomorrow morning, and in such an exemplary and efficient way, on a night when there have been so many problems elsewhere.
It is an immense privilege to have been elected by the people of Mid Norfolk to represent them in Parliament and I want to thank all those who have placed their trust in me. I pledge now tonight to work hard for all the people of this constituency, regardless of their affiliation.
I would like to congratulate and thank the other Candidates for making this a clean positive campaign on the issues. We have all of us fought in a campaign at a time of deep disillusionment with politics and everyone who has taken part – in however small a way – can go home tonight proud of having done their bit.
My campaign has been about trying to rebuild some trust in politics through a deep commitment to Norfolk and the challenges and opportunities we face. We won by taking no vote for granted, knocking on over 20,000 doors with my team, and being out and about and accessible as humanly possible. There are no shortcuts to rebuilding trust in politics.
This is not the time to even begin to thank all those many people who have helped me here. Many of you are here tonight. You know who you are. My local Conservative Association, Chairman and Agent for selecting and supporting me, and a team of friends and local volunteers. I have had more support than I could ever have asked for, and I am sincerely grateful and aware of the trust you have placed in me.
There is one person who I can never thank enough: my wife Eleanor – who has held the family together over the last 6 years and been my rock. As we all know, partners in politics pay a high price and get little thanks.
Whatever the result, the Parliament which assembles next week - with over 300 new MPs - will be unrecognisable from the last. It needs to be. Whoever wins, the people of Britain have spoken with a clear voice on one thing: a demand for a better politics of integrity, duty and a commitment to people and place before party. Of course we need parties for Government, and I am proud tonight to be elected tonight as one of a new generation of Conservatives under David Cameron’s leadership. But good politics starts locally with hard working constituency MPs. For the new Mid Norfolk constituency It Starts Here.
Across the land tonight, in halls like this, a new generation is being summoned to serve our country in our Parliament. We carry a huge responsibility.
Thank you for placing your trust in us.
4 May 2010
On Monday, George did a tour of 9 different Mid Norfolk villages to meet residents and discuss their concerns.
During the day, George visited the following villages with his team of volunteers:
Ashill
Saham Toney
Carbrooke
Shipdham
Suton
Bawdeswell
North Elmham
Beetley
Gressenhall
As part of the tour, George attended the annual Drynkkings Festival on the village green in Shipdham, where he ended up in the stocks for the second time during the election campaign!
George said: "I was delighted to do my bit to help raise some money for the Shipdham Toddlers Group, having stopped off on my 9 village tour at Shipdham's fete."
During the day, George visited the following villages with his team of volunteers:
Ashill
Saham Toney
Carbrooke
Shipdham
Suton
Bawdeswell
North Elmham
Beetley
Gressenhall
As part of the tour, George attended the annual Drynkkings Festival on the village green in Shipdham, where he ended up in the stocks for the second time during the election campaign!
George said: "I was delighted to do my bit to help raise some money for the Shipdham Toddlers Group, having stopped off on my 9 village tour at Shipdham's fete."
4 May 2010
George recently spent the day visiting several charities and action groups in Dereham.
The day started at Dereham Cancer Care, an organisation run by volunteers from a portacabin that offers support and information to cancer patients and their families. Many of the volunteers have suffered from cancer themselves, and they also offer alternative therapies such as aromatherapy.
George then went to Mencap the charity focused on providing information and services to people with learning disabilities, where George spoke to a group of about 30 people who were concerned about the closure of day centres in Norfolk. George has since signed up to the Mencap election pledge.
Meeting Point - a centre for over-55s was next, before finally finishing by singing songs with the folks at the Tony Boothman Day Care Centre.
George said afterwards "These are real examples of the strong society we have around us. Inspiring causes, being tackled by inspiring people. I'm extremely grateful to all of the organisations for accommodating me and letting me learn a little bit about the challenges they face. The day centres are the heart of the community for many of our older residents, and I'm sorry I was a little behind schedule for the people at Meeting Point."
Photo: George visits Dereham Cancer Care.
The day started at Dereham Cancer Care, an organisation run by volunteers from a portacabin that offers support and information to cancer patients and their families. Many of the volunteers have suffered from cancer themselves, and they also offer alternative therapies such as aromatherapy.
George then went to Mencap the charity focused on providing information and services to people with learning disabilities, where George spoke to a group of about 30 people who were concerned about the closure of day centres in Norfolk. George has since signed up to the Mencap election pledge.
Meeting Point - a centre for over-55s was next, before finally finishing by singing songs with the folks at the Tony Boothman Day Care Centre.
George said afterwards "These are real examples of the strong society we have around us. Inspiring causes, being tackled by inspiring people. I'm extremely grateful to all of the organisations for accommodating me and letting me learn a little bit about the challenges they face. The day centres are the heart of the community for many of our older residents, and I'm sorry I was a little behind schedule for the people at Meeting Point."
Photo: George visits Dereham Cancer Care.
1 May 2010
George spent the day out on the campaign trail meeting the voters of Mid Norfolk on Saturday.
Having started early in Watton, he then went knocking on doors in Spooner Row and Wicklewood, before ending up on Dereham High Street.
The day was completed by catching the last match of the season at Dereham Town Football Club.
George said "We're getting a really positive reaction on the doorsteps. We're covering a lot of ground trying to get to as many people as possible. Finishing with the football was great; we won 3 nil in the bright sunshine, which is better than the last time I went when it was snowing and we lost!
Having started early in Watton, he then went knocking on doors in Spooner Row and Wicklewood, before ending up on Dereham High Street.
The day was completed by catching the last match of the season at Dereham Town Football Club.
George said "We're getting a really positive reaction on the doorsteps. We're covering a lot of ground trying to get to as many people as possible. Finishing with the football was great; we won 3 nil in the bright sunshine, which is better than the last time I went when it was snowing and we lost!
1 May 2010
George took part in a debate on Friday at Wymondham College featuring the Mid Norfolk candidates from Labour and the Green Party, with other representatives from the Liberal Democrats and UKIP.
Questions were raised by the pupils on a range of topics, including future employment prospects for young people, Gordon Brown's 'Bigotgate' and the minimum wage.
Speaking afterwards, George said "It was really nice to have our first hustings here in Mid Norfolk, I've been really disappointed we've not had more chance to debate the issues. The pupils seemed really engaged and interested, and I think we could have gone on a lot longer, as loads stayed to ask questions at the end.
"It's a real credit to the school that it went so well and helping to introduce younger people to the democratic process. Too often young people are just confused or ignored by politics."
Photo: George Freeman takes part in a debate at Wymondham College
Questions were raised by the pupils on a range of topics, including future employment prospects for young people, Gordon Brown's 'Bigotgate' and the minimum wage.
Speaking afterwards, George said "It was really nice to have our first hustings here in Mid Norfolk, I've been really disappointed we've not had more chance to debate the issues. The pupils seemed really engaged and interested, and I think we could have gone on a lot longer, as loads stayed to ask questions at the end.
"It's a real credit to the school that it went so well and helping to introduce younger people to the democratic process. Too often young people are just confused or ignored by politics."
Photo: George Freeman takes part in a debate at Wymondham College
30 April 2010
Chapel Road School
George recently spent the morning at Chapel Road School, a Special Needs school in Attleborough.
George said "The school is full of model professionals, but has suffered in recent years. They desperately want bigger and newer premises, but the funding for this has never materialised. Schools like this are inspirational, and we need to do all we can to help them."
30 April 2010
George went out with the police in Watton last Friday night to see how community policing can tackle anti-social behaviour in the town and other challenges that face the force at night.
After a briefing on the work of the force and the challenges that they regularly face, George shadowed two officers in their patrol vehicle as they went out onto the streets.
Speaking afterwards, George said "I'm extremely grateful to the officers for giving me the chance to shadow them for the evening. The officers I was with were absolutely brilliant, exactly the type of people who you hope are serving our communities. The knowledge they had of the area and the people was like an encyclopaedia and they way they dealt with difficult situations was very impressive."
After a briefing on the work of the force and the challenges that they regularly face, George shadowed two officers in their patrol vehicle as they went out onto the streets.
Speaking afterwards, George said "I'm extremely grateful to the officers for giving me the chance to shadow them for the evening. The officers I was with were absolutely brilliant, exactly the type of people who you hope are serving our communities. The knowledge they had of the area and the people was like an encyclopaedia and they way they dealt with difficult situations was very impressive."
23 April 2010
It's St George's Day and George will be cycling across Mid Norfolk on the A47 to draw attention to the economic potential of our area to pioneer sustainable economic growth, with first class communications.
Over the last 3 years The Norfolk Way has been promoting the potential of a revitalised Mid Norfolk economy to generate new jobs in exciting new industries drawing on our local strengths – food science, biomedicine, farming, engineering, micro-brewing, local retail – revitalising our pubs and post offices and communities.
St George’s Day is a day for English people to celebrate our great country, and the part our county has played in our Island’s Story.
Norfolk gave England the 1st Prime Minister, the Agricultural Revolution, and Admiral Nelson. With some local empowerment and a new vision of our potential unleashed we could lead our country again.
MORNING SESSION
North Pickenham Arr 9.45 Dep 10.30 Outside Blue Lion Pub
Holme Hale Arr 10.45 Dep 11.30 Meet in playing field car park
Bradenham Arr 11.45 Dep 12.30 On the Green
Necton Arr 12.50 Dep 2.30 Windmill Hill Car park
AFTERNOON SESSION
East Tuddenham Arr 3.45 Dep 4.30 Meet at Village Hall
Hockering Arr 4.45 Dep 5.30 Meet Village Hall (1st Left Heath
Rd)
North Tuddenham Arr 5.45 Dep 6.30 The Lodge Pub on A1110
EVENING SESSION
Lyng Arr 6.50 Fox and Hounds in middle of Lyng
Over the last 3 years The Norfolk Way has been promoting the potential of a revitalised Mid Norfolk economy to generate new jobs in exciting new industries drawing on our local strengths – food science, biomedicine, farming, engineering, micro-brewing, local retail – revitalising our pubs and post offices and communities.
St George’s Day is a day for English people to celebrate our great country, and the part our county has played in our Island’s Story.
Norfolk gave England the 1st Prime Minister, the Agricultural Revolution, and Admiral Nelson. With some local empowerment and a new vision of our potential unleashed we could lead our country again.
MORNING SESSION
North Pickenham Arr 9.45 Dep 10.30 Outside Blue Lion Pub
Holme Hale Arr 10.45 Dep 11.30 Meet in playing field car park
Bradenham Arr 11.45 Dep 12.30 On the Green
Necton Arr 12.50 Dep 2.30 Windmill Hill Car park
AFTERNOON SESSION
East Tuddenham Arr 3.45 Dep 4.30 Meet at Village Hall
Hockering Arr 4.45 Dep 5.30 Meet Village Hall (1st Left Heath
Rd)
North Tuddenham Arr 5.45 Dep 6.30 The Lodge Pub on A1110
EVENING SESSION
Lyng Arr 6.50 Fox and Hounds in middle of Lyng
