NORTH EAST CONSERVATIVES SELECT ELECTION TEAM

The Conservative Party's list of Prospective Candidates for the 2004 European Elections are:
1 - Martin Callanan MEP
2 - Jeremy Middleton
3 - Amanda Vigar

Conservatives members from right across the region met at the end of January and determined the party's candidates in a one member one-vote election.

Martin Callanan MEP
Martin was first elected to the European Parliament in June 1999 as the first ever Conservative MEP for the North East. In 2001 he was appointed as PPS to Jonathon Evans MEP, leader of the British Conservative MEP''s.

Martin has also stood as a Prospective Parliamentary Candidate in Tynemouth (in 1997), Gateshead East (in 1992) and Houghton and Washington (in 1987). Between 1987 and 1996 he was a Conservative Councillor on Gateshead Metropolitan Council (and between 1990-96 was the only Conservative on the Council). He was also a member of Tyne and Wear County Council between 1982 and 1986. Elected as its youngest member aged only 21.

Away from politics Martin is also involved in a number of charitable organisations which include being a Patron of Newcastle Toy Library, Vice President of the Jubilee Debt Reduction Campaign, Member of the National Trust and a Member of the National Eczema Society.

Martin is married to Jayne and they have one son Joe.