Chancellor spends time in Newark in by-election push

The Chancellor of the Exchequer said Newark was an example of how the economy was improving during a visit to the town today.

Mr George Osborne spoke to staff and apprentices during a tour of communications provider Timico.

Arriving in a silver 4x4 he was met by the company's chief operating officer Mr Chris Tombs before taking a tour of the building led by Mr Calum Malcolm, Timico's chief technology officer.

Mr Osborne said while Newark was a microcosm of an improving economy, it needed better transport links.

He said: "Our long-term economic plan is working here in Newark and we've gone from a situation where many jobs were lost during the recession to one where we've got 8,000 more people employed.

"You've got really successful businesses like Timico. It's essential the most innovative and exciting in the world at the cutting edge of technology have a great workforce and they've got to have good transport links and good infrastructure.

"There are plans afoot here for roads people want to see built."

Asked when the economy would improve for Newark's smaller, independent businesses, Mr Osborne said he felt the Government had the policies in place to help them.

He said money had been used in the East Midlands to help new business start up and help existing businesses.

Mr Osborne is the latest Government minister to visit the Newark area as part of the campaign for the Conservative by-election candidate Mr Robert Jenrick.

The Conservatives have not retained or won a seat during a by-election when they have been in power since William Hague in 1989.

When asked what effect losing the seat would have on the party's reputation and what it would say about public faith in the coalition Government, Mr Osborne said he believed they could win in Newark.

He said: "I'm sure the more people focus on who can achieve a secure future for Newark with additional jobs and additional improvements in infrastructure, the more they will come to the conclusion that Robert is the man for for job.

"This by-election is important. Newark deserves a strong Member of Parliament who is going to secure Newark's future."

During his tour of Timico he spoke to internal IT apprentice Robert Ainsworth, 16, and client services executive Shannon Walker, 19, about their roles.

Following the tour he visited Newark Castle Station where he backed the case for improved services.