Tories are on their way back

THE political situation is on the turn, former Home Secretary Lord Baker told Tories in Lewes on Friday.

The senior statesman was guest speaker at the Lewes Constituency Conservative annual meeting at Lewes Town Hall.

Speaking to an audience of 100, he said: 'The Conservative Party can win the next general election because the Government will be seen to be doing badly.

'For the last 10 years it has been a miserable time for the Conservatives, first under John Major, then under William Hague, who is a clever and a witty man but who made very little impact.

'Why is it different now? We have to wait for the scales to drop from the public's eyes.

'Blair went in on a ticket in 1997 of no sleaze, no corruption, taxes to be higher, hospitals and schools to be better, and he would be tough on crime and the causes of crime.

'But he hasn't delivered the goods.'

Lady Newton of Laughton presented prizes at the meeting which was chaired by Lord Gage of Firle, association president.

Best all-round branch was Ringmer, which won the Admiral Tufton Beamish Cup, with Seaford as runners-up.

Branch with the highest increase in membership was Chailey, with Lewes Priory as runners-up.

Champion small branch was Lewes Bridge, with Wivelsfield runners-up.

The Campaign Cup was won by Seaford which has a Conservative town council and nine out of 12 district councillors, plus a county councillor.

Primrose Stars for outstanding contribution to the association went to Peggy Edwards of Lewes and Ken Jordan of Chailey.

A Primrose Bar went to Stella Hill of Newick for her work in the constituency office.

For long standing service, particularly to Ringmer Ladies Luncheon Club, Winifred Warner was awarded the Special Primrose Award.

The Oliver Pin Brooch for diligent service went to Cllr Roger Frost of Seaford.