We normally see politics through the macro scale of things. Policies of the left and right, big issues and the only thing we can rely on, whichever way it goes, we’ll probably end up paying for it!

But! There is another side of politics, a very personal one, that like insurance, you hope you never need.

My son was extradited to Budapest, when the Hungarian authorities lied to the British courts. He was locked up without charge in a former KGB prison, I turned to my MP for help. I’m a working man and had voted labour all my life. I was glad I had a Labour MP. I was horrified when I was told “I can’t interfere, it’s a judicial matter”.

I didn’t know where to turn. Another man appeared on the scene and said I’m a father, like you. You’re going to need some help. He took me to Downing Street, to make sure the Prime Minister was briefed, he travelled to Budapest. I listened to the television and heard my son’s plight being explained to the whole of parliament by this man. Thanks to him my son is now back home with us.

That man was then, our new conservative MP; Richard Drax.

I know another local man who has worked hard all his life, paying his taxes and asking for nothing in return. In his hour of need ( I can’t mention the circumstances, to keep anonymity), he too turned to his MP and his problems were overcome. What Richard didn’t know and I believe still doesn’t to this day, is that, this constituent in need, was a highly decorated war hero!

There must be hundreds of us that our MP has helped, during his first term of office, coming true on his promise to represent without fear or favour, regardless of background.

I would like you Richard, on behalf of all of us, in whose lives you have directly intervened, to accept this letter as a personal thank you. Whatever the result of the coming election, you personally have renewed a lot of peoples’ faith in political advocacy.

I’m still a working man and my general political view will probably always have a social slant, but, It’s not just the big picture and would urge everyone; to think very carefully, when choosing their representative at Westminster.

Mark Turner

The Castle Inn, Corfe Castle