Cannock's Tory MP Amanda Milling moves into Labour's old home
There was nothing conservative about Cannock MP Amanda Milling's choice of headquarters. The new Tory MP has set up her constituency base – in the former Labour Party office.
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin officially cut the ribbon outside the office in Market Street, Hednesford, yesterday. The building was chosen for its central location and good bus and train access, said party chiefs.
But for five months leading up the general election, the premises were used as the campaign HQ of the Labour candidate Janos Toth.
In the end he lost out to Ms Milling who took the seat formerly held by Aidan Burley with a majority of 4,923, a percentage of 40 per cent.
She said: "Opening a shop on Market Street in Hednesford was a very easy choice because the town is at the very heart of the constituency and is well served by public transport routes."
But the choice of building has raised chuckles in local Labour Party circles. Council leader George Adamson, who represents Hednesford, said: "I'd like to welcome her to the town but I hope she's not too chilly.
"It used to be a florist shop so there's no central heating."
Residents and traders enjoyed tea and cake with the new occupant and Mr McLoughlin, a former Cannock miner and district councillor after the opening ceremony.
