A day on the Campaign Trail in Rochester & Strood

It's been a long but really productive day on the campaign trail in Rochester & Strood, with a packed agenda of canvassing, leafleting and campaign activity. It was great to welcome old friends and new helpers, many of whom came from across Kent and the South East to offer support. I never cease to be amazed at the dedication of our voluntary party, who not only give up their time but also travel long distances and pay their own travel expenses to support our cause. We are very fortunate.

Rochester and Strood Association Chairman Andrew Mackness has emailed helpers to express his thanks. I too would like to express my thanks to all those who work with me behind the scenes to get everything ready. Preparing hundreds of canvassing packs with maps, directions, laminated showcards and all the other detritus of a well organised large scale campaign day is a major undertaking. As always Jon Botten and Matt Boughton have been steadfast and uncomplaining over hours of hard and tedious work, made harder this week as they were alone running the office as I had duties elsewhere. They did a super job and I am immensely grateful.

As well as playing our part in the by-election we also have five Associations to run. So in addition to providing me with logistical support for what I am doing in the Medway Towns, Jon and Matt also arranged the printing and packing of five Associations-worth of Christmas Draw tickets, packed and distributed 4,000 Chatham & Aylesford Open Primary ballot papers and booklets and also sent out the Q4 membership reminders.  Oh yes, and Jon got himself selected as a local government candidate in Tonbridge!

For those unable to join us in Rochester & Strood today, here is a selection of photographs:

Tracey Crouch MP is the first to arrive at Campaign HQ and sign-in

One of our teams meeting residents on the High Street today

Just some of the Members of Parliament on the Campaign Trail in Rochester & Strood

Volunteers bundling and preparing our next leaflet delivery inviting residents
to participate in the Open Primary

Rt Hon Damian Green MP signs in