The publication of Hartbeat in May 2005 means that I am writing this to you prior to the hectic campaigning of a General Election campaign. I very much hope, although of course in politics we take nothing for granted, that I am still your MP at the time of you reading this note.

Of course irrespective of the result on election night Hartwell and many of the other villages to the south of Northampton will be in the process of preparing themselves to be part of a wholly new South Northamptonshire seat which will be created prior to the next election (the next election! - I bet by now you're fed up to the back teeth of the last without looking forward
to the next).


The Government's White Paper on the future of Local Government, due for publication in the Autumn will no doubt also reopen the debate as to the structure of our local Councils. It is inevitable in my view that unitary Local Government is on the way. This may mean the end of either our County Council or South Northants Council or even both, but whilst I have fight left in me it will not mean the end of our Parish Councils. Politics has become far too remote already to the needs of individuals in communities such as Hartwell and I have despaired over the past few weeks at the way the media and all the parties have tried to condense elected representation down in to some national beauty contest with little or no attempt to look at the important role that local representation plays in ensuring our democracy is refreshed, renewed and invigorated. Therefore, we need good local Parish Councillors, we need village champions taking on the bureaucrats and the authorities and ensuring consultation is not just
a rubber stamp exercise but a meaningful dialogue between electors and the elected. So, pat yourselves on the back and accept my gratitude for all your hard work that is done in Hartwell in communicating with villagers and being part of that village champion ethos.

Finally, whilst writing I send all best wishes to the many groups, friends, sports clubs and institutions that I continue to have dealings with in the village and look forward to seeing you
all in the future.

TONY

Constituency Office:
41 York Road,
Northampton,
NN1 5QJ

Tel: 01604 250044 Fax: 01604 250055
e-mail: crokej@parliament.uk
www.tonyclarke.labour.co.uk