Goodman turns down offer to switch sides, Teesdale Mercury

LABOUR MP Helen Goodman has rejected an offer to join the Tory party.

Peter Gilbertson, the chairman of the Bishop Auckland Conservative Association last week wrote an open letter to the Mercury, asking if Ms Goodman wanted to switch sides.

Mr Gilbertson, of Greta Bridge, said he could “do business” with Ms Goodman, who was re-elected in May.

He wrote: “Mrs Goodman apparently says: ‘The thing is to be in government, the whole point of what we do is to be in government’.

“Well Mrs Goodman, if this is so important to you, you have only to take six steps across the floor of the chamber of the House of Commons and bingo – you are in Government and power again and Bishop Auckland has an MP which represents the majority of its constituents.

“Mrs Goodman, should you consider the above, please note that following your surgery at the Witham Hall on Friday, July 9, the Conservative Office is just a few steps up the front stairs on the first floor.”

The MP laughed when the Mercury passed on Mr Gilbertson’s invitation.

Asked if she would join the Conservatives, she said: “No, obviously not. Being in government is not about my personal position – it’s about doing what’s best for the county.”