Tyne rebirth ‘is down to Mrs T’

Mar 15 2008 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal

THE Conservative Party last night provoked fury among North East Labour politicians by claiming Newcastle’s impressive record as a thriving city of culture was all down to Margaret Thatcher.

The party is meeting for its Spring Forum in Gateshead, its first trip North since 1985.

And in an introductory speech, president of the Conservative National Convention, Jeremy Middleton, told delegates the party was ready to start winning seats in the region.

Mr Middleton, who grew up in Tyneside and has fought many North East seats, said yesterday: “Being here is a clear statement that the North is at the heart of our party.

“We will change the idea that there are no-go areas for the modern Conservative Party.”

The forum, he said, offered delegates the chance to get to know the region and the city.

“You will find here beautiful buildings, iconic art and some of the wildest night life around.

“And honest friendly people.

“The city did not always have this beautiful riverside you see today.

“But it has rebuilt itself thanks to Lady Thatcher, who formed the Tyne and Wear Development Corporation.”

Mr Middleton said the party should be proud of what it has achieved.

The development corporation, created by the Conservative Government in 1987, led the initial transformation of contaminated wasteland in North Tyneside to create, among other sites, the award-winning Royal Quays development.

However, North Labour MPs last night said the Tories where overlooking parts of Lady Thatcher’s time in office.

Newcastle North MP Doug Henderson said: “She was also responsible for the destruction of communities and jobs across the whole of the North East and that is something that is still not forgotten.”

And Tyne Bridge Labour MP David Clelland said the Conservatives were taking undue credit.

He said: “It is laughable when you think that the Labour Party has been in power in Gateshead since the Second World War and in power in Newcastle while all these developments were completed.

“And the Gateshead side of the river has seen massive redevelopment since the Labour Government came to power.

“So while she did set up the corporation, there was a lot more done by local Labour politicians than by Thatcher.

“The memory of what she did here may not be as strong as it once was, but there are a lot of people, especially the miners, who still remember.” The Conservatives yesterday said they believed the party has turned the corner in the North, thanks to the work done by David Cameron.

Mr Middleton told delegates that despite 10 years of Labour, the region had a growing wish-list of improvements.

“Here in the North East more than anywhere else, we need more small businesses to start up.

“And more than anywhere else, we still need better transport links,” said Mr Middleton.