Richard Ashworth

Party Members Party in Strasbourg!

Another successful visit to the European Parliament in Strasbourg for party members from Sussex! As well as an opportunity to visit the Christmas Markets and have a look at the Parliament in session, this visit was organised to give party members a chance to discuss issues in more depth with MEPS. A whole morning was spent discussing various issues with MEP colleagues from the UK, Sweden and also Slovakia and a follow-up meeting focussed on Foreign Affairs with the Conservative spokesman in this area, Charles Tannock MEP, and a closer look at the Budget with myself.

Supporting Local Candidates

Conservatives working together across all levels of government is more important than ever if we are to win the next election. I have been out meeting and supporting our newly selected Westminster candidates and taking part in local by-elections. Get out and support your candidates!!

Party Members visiting the European Parliament

I am always delighted to welcome party members to spend some time with me in the Parliament, whether they come specifically or drop in whilst visiting Brussels. If I'm not there myself, my staff can do the honours so please do let us know if you would like to have a look around!

Auction of Promises

This is a great way for Associations to raise funds. It relys on the good will of members to pledge items and to bid for them. Playing my part, I have auctioned several VIP trips to Brussels which includes a day with me in the European Parliament. Usually the trip raises a good sum for the Association and the winners get a front seat in the life of their MEP for 24 hours! 

Kent and Sussex Conservatives visit to Brussels

It was great to see some new faces as well as some well known faces amongst the group visiting Brussels. The group was a mixture from Maidstone, Folkestone, Eastbourne and Wealden Conservative Associations - all come to check up on me! To gain some different perspectives, I arranged for the group to be addressed by three of my colleagues in the parliament; Philip Bushil-Matthews, Conservative Spokesman on Employment, Ari Vatanen, former world rally champion turned MEP and Simon Butusil, MEP for Malta.

Wealden & Eastbourne Association Visit to Strasbourg

Thank you to all those members of Eastbourne and Wealden Association who came along to spend some time with me in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, it was a thoroughly enjoyable day! I arranged for the group to meet with several of my European colleagues including Gunnar Hockmark, leader of the centre-right Swedish delegation and Ivo Strejcek, whip for the Czec ODS group in the Parliament.

Fundraising party held by Councillor Robert Burgess in Westgate-on-Sea.

Election 2005 - Canvassing

Canvassing is something which I have always enjoyed, both as a candidate and as an MEP supporting our candidates in the South East. During the run-up to the election I also served as Westminster Liaison for the Conservative Delegation in Brussels to ensure a co-oridinated approach on policy and action.

Movers & Shakers Dinner, Party Conference Bournemouth

Thank you to all those who came to the Movers & Shakers dinner during party conference in Bournemouth - Councillors, Chairmen, MPs and PPCs from across Kent and Sussex, a great opportunity to get to know eachother.

Chairman's Lunch 2004

This was a good opportunity, pre-general election, for Chairmen across Kent and Sussex to get together and foster good working relations across the counties. It was so successful we held a lunch this year too.