Clowning About with Norman & Justo

Went over to visit Justo the Clown's circus this lunchtime to do a little bit with the press about encouraging people to vote. Justo has issued a challenge to other constituencies - to beat North Norfolk's voter turnout! I believe turnout here will be 73-75%, which may well be one of the highest in the country. Norman and I turned up but Phil was strangely absent, while Stuart Agnew showed up after we'd all finished. For those who don't know, Justo us standing as an independent candidate to protest against Labour's licensing law. Maybe that's why Phil didn't show.

Can't say I am feeling my best this evening. I have a streaming cold coming on. Just what I need with four days to go... Not.

Polling Cards

We've been getting a lot of calls in our office from people who say they haven't received polling cards. Please remember that you do not need a polling card in order to cast your vote. The important thing is that you are on the electoral register. Any queries please call us on 01263 512117.

Saturday's foot spa

A very exciting day. We had the biggest team of canvassers and leafleters ever seen in North Norfolk today. I started the day at the first North Walsham farmers market - great to see a new initiative with such quality produce. I spent the rest of the morning with a huge team of canvassers in North Walsham before moving on to Fakenham and Wells. In between I had lunch at Holt Rugby Club - they were playing Fakenham today for the Banham Trophy. There must have been nearly 200 at the lunch and I had the somewhat daunting prospect of making a short speech without being political. I decided to turn comedian and think I just about carried it off! I paid tribute to Bill Cubitt's combine on the Holt Road and the fact that it now has a Vote Conservative sign adorning it. I pledged to make it a listed monument!

I'm typing this with my feet soaking in a foot spa one of my canvassers has lent me. A very weird sensation and not one I think I am particularly enjoying. Got to do something about the feet though - they are a nightmare and very painful. But the good side of walking so much is that I am losing weight again. I keep kicking myself that having shed two stone last year I have put quite a bit of it back on. If it comes off again, it stays off.

Had phone calls from David Davis and Ann Widdecombe tonight to see how I am doing. David is fighting the LibDems too so we often compare notes. Ann was typically robust!

Just been on the phone for half an hour to one of my best friends in Washington, who was supposed to be coming over for the last week. His wife is expecting a baby any time so he couldn't come. He and I first met on the 1992 campaign in Norwich North and we've remained friends ever since. He's one of those few people who you might not speak to for months but you just pick up from where you left off. A rare thing.

A Very Busy Friday

An early start in Fakenham to take part in yet another candidates debate at Fakenham Sixth Form College - 220 present, although surprisingly quiet. Very good natured and some excellent questions. I thought I had blown it when I said I was totally against the EMA grant of £10-£30 a week for sixth formers. I was pleased to see that only about 20% of the audience thought these bribes to stay on at school were a good thing. From there it was on to North Norfolk Radio for an hour on air with Sue Marchant and John Bultitude. It went reasonably OK despite some obvious LibDem planted questions. Lunch at the Skeyton Goat with the apparently (according to The Times) soon to be enobled Gillian Shephard and her husband Tom. We visited Ladbrook Engineering in North Walsham and then did a walkabout in the Market Square before an hour of doorknocking in Trunch. Another sprinkling of LibDem switchers.

This evening I popped into the Aylsham at War exhibition before grabbing a bite to eat at the Black Boys - fantastic food.

Tomorrow is a major campaign day for us in several of the bigger towns.

And so to bed

Started the day in North Walsham as it is market day. Moved from there to Mundesley, where we found a lot of new support. Had quite a large team out with me today and we had a break for lunch at them Hunworth Bell before moving on to Fakenham and then Sheringham. Tonight was the final debate in the series of three with the other candidates. We were also joined by Justo the Clown, which certainly added to the evening's entertainment. If I'm honest I didn't put in my best performance tonight. Maybe I was tired, but I just didn't feel I sparked at all. Overall, the debates were very good natured affairs, although I suspect the audience was largely made up of people already allied to one or other Party. Although I suppose about 300 people attended them if you add the three audiences together it's a pinprick in the 81,000 electorate. However, in most constituencies you'd have had a fraction of that number.

Tomorrow Gillian Shephard is coming to visit and I'll be on North Norfolk Radio from 11-12.

And so to bed. Knackered. But tomorrow the batteries will be recharged. My campaign team call me the Duracell Bunny as they say I keep going no matter what. But even Duracell's need the occasional rechargezzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Today

Very good day today. And the weather held out. Nearly. Spent the morning in North Walsham and then this afternoon we had a visit from our Shadow Health Secretary Andrew Lansley. I took him on a visit to Cromer Hospital and we also met some relatives of patients at Rebecca House. Spent this evening in Sheringham doing a huge canvass stint with a dozen helpers.

Tomorrow evening is the final candidates debate at Sheringham Community Centre at 8pm if anyone wants to come along.

Yellow Dog Story

Just been bitten by a vicious dog in Sheringham. That will teach me to knock on a door with a Lib Dem poster in the garden. Should I go to North Walsham Minor Injuries Unit? Oops, no, it's shut. Should I go to Wells Minor Injuries Unit? Oops, no, it's shut. Perhaps I'll ring that nice Dr. John Reid.

Funny Canvassing Story Number 3

Lady in North Walsham, 'I wouldn't trust Tony Blair with the fleas off my cat's back.'

Debates

Yesterday was the first debate between the four candidates for North Norfolk in Wells. Tonight was the second, in Fakenham. The third is in Sheringham on Thursday (8pm at the Community Centre).

Last night it was all a little too cosy and gentlemanly. Lots of "Well I agree with you Norman" and "Iain is absolutely right." There were about 100 people present in Wells, about 30 more than were at Fakenham tonight. I can hardly believe that the issue of Wells Hospital didn't come up at all, nor indeed did healthcare of any description.

Tonight's debate was a little sparkier and all the better for it, I thought. It's difficult to know how many floating voters attend these events but I hope they got something out of them.

For the record I think Wells was a score draw but I felt tonight I came out marginally on top. It has to be said the star of the show was the Reverend Adrian Bell, who chaired the event brilliantly - and at times eccentrically! Highly entertaining. He obviously fancies a career change as a Today Programme interviewer!

Unbelievable

Yesterday morning I listened to a piece on Radio 4's Today Programme with more than a little passing interest. It concerned the stock market flotaton of YouGov. The business reporter gave a glowing account of the company and the likely success of the flotation. What she didn't mention was that sitting next to her in the studio was a journalist who stood to make an absolute killing (rumoured to be a quarter of a million pounds). Nothing wrong with that you may think, but the journalist in question was John Humphrys who makes a living out of questioning politicians about standards in public life. Do you not think it might have been appropriate if after that piece had been broadcast he might have made just a brief declaration of interest? What's good for the goose...

PS I should also declare an interest - I won a miniscule number of shares in YouGov, and am delighted by its success!

Apology

Sorry for the lack of postings since Saturday. Yesterday evening I left my laptop at the debate in Wells so I couldn't write anything when I got home.

For St George & England

Probably the most hectic day of the campaign so far, and in many ways perhaps the most enjoyable. The day started in Fakenham where I attended the Framers' market and the Church St George's Day Fayre. We moved on to Sheringham and leafleted the High Street in competition with Norman Lamb and a few other LibDems. Cromer was next to get the St George's Day treatment, and I met up with Jack Russell Gio who joined us meeting and greeting voters. Gio was supposed to be wearing his all new St George's Cross Dog Coatr but unfortunately when it arrived in this morning's post it was about twenty sizes too small. Little Gio has emulated his Master and become a bit of a porker of late. From Cromer it was on to North Walsham, where the town centre seemed to be rather devoid of Saturday shoppers. We spent the afternoon in Hoveton before closing our campaign day in the Stalham area.

I wonder what tomorrow's polls will show. I know all candidates never believe polls when they don't reflect your own experience on the streets but I genuinely believe something weird is going on out there which the polls haven't picked up. There's no doubt that our message on immigration and Council Tax has been received and understood and I hope this is reflected in what tomorrow's papers will tell us.

We all move into the final phase of the campaign in good heart and cautiously confident of victory. I know it's going to be close, but I've always known that.

A Day Out

We concentrated today on three of the major towns but also popped into the Day out in North Norfolk exhibition at Holt Railway Station. It's organised by North Norfolk District Council and they do it extremely well. Tomorrow we're doing a quick stop tour of some of the main towns in the morning, handing out leaflets in the high streets and also I'll be having Gio, my Jack Russell, out with me for a bit of the day. Hopefully he won't bite anyone!

One side of the constituency to the other

We certainly clocked up the miles today... Spent the early part of the morning in Fakenham market before a tour of the villages around Fakenham. I then had to drive to Yarmouth to meet Tim Yeo, our Shadow Environment Spokesman for a discussion on coastal erosion. Mark Fox, our candidate in Yarmouth, and I agreed with him our policy on dredging, which Mark and I believe to be part of the cause of coastal erosion. Detail to follow. I then drove all the way over to Wells to visit the Wells Hospital open day. Having now been round the hospital I am even more convinced of the case for it to stay open. Talking of which, apparently Gordon Brown has put his foot in it by accusing me of making an unauthorised spending pledge to keepo the hospital open if we regain power. By doing this it is clear that Labour will not reopen it if they win the election. I reconfirmed the position with Andrew Lansley, our Shadow health spokesman and the fact remains (whatever the newspapers might write) that if we win the election the hospital will reopen.

On Line Campaigning Starts Here

This is the first of my real time campaigning posts. Just been in Fakenham to go around the market where we had a friendly encounter with Norman Lamb and his colleagues.

We are in Sculthorpe at the moment and I have just knocked on the door of someone I was at school with in Saffron Walden thrity years ago. He has moved up here and apparently I canvassed the street where his parents live in East Runton as well. Talk about a small world.

Over and out from sunny Sculthrope!

Gladdening the heart...

Michael Howard's Council Tax announcement on cancelling Labour's revaluation has gone down very well if today's canvassing is anything to go by. We were in Sheringham tonight and I have never seen as many switchers in one canvassing session. One chap I spoke to said he had voted Labour all his life but he liked what Michael Howard was saying. Another one in the bag then! This morning we did a couple of Council estates in Fakenham. Having cut my political teeth on the Mile Cross estate in Norwich I felt right at home.

It's very strange. There is no sign of Liberal campaigning at all. They put out a couple of leaflets in the first week and that's been it. No sign of them doing much canvassing either. Maybe they have all gone to continue their hopeless quest of ousting Charles Clarke. They really ought to leave that job to Antony Little.

Our poster display has come on leaps and bounds. We're even being complimented on it now. Posters don't gain you a single extra vote, but they certainly gladden the heart of a tired candidate on his way home!

Stalham, P45 and a Foot Spa

Went to Stalham this morning and talked to many people and shopkeepers in the High Street about the Tesco effect. This afternoon was spent in some of the bigger villages in the eastern part of the constituency. My day was considerably brightened by an article in the Norwich Evening News saying I was set to oust the Liberal Democrats. It contained a rather rattled quote from Norman Lamb, who even offered to show me his canvass returns. Norman, I don't need to see them - my own give me all the information I need to know that on May 5th one of us will be collecting a P45 - and it isn't me... Did an interview with Radio Norfolk on Council Tax today and also talked to the Lynn News. I've also finalised a policy document which will be released next week. The feet are bad again today - I need a foot spa!

Send in the Clowns

Nominations have closed and there is a surprise candidate, a certain Justin Appleton. He delivered his nomination papers to the Council dressed as a clown! So that's two clowns on the ballot paper, then...

Officially Nominated

A comparatively dry day for a change. The first door I knocked on this morning in North Walsham was a LibDem switcher and a minute later a lady came up to me and asked me for a poster. I suppose it could only go downhill from there!

I hear that several LibDem councillors are trashing me on the doorstep. Nich Starling and Robin Combe - I would be very careful what you say in future. I always find it amusing that LibDems portray themselves as whiter than white yet will fight dirtier than anyone.

I can truthfully say that in two weeks of this election campaign I have not ever trashed Norman Lamb personally to a single voter. Pity his little helpers cannot return the compliment.

Before a spot of doorknocking on the coast I handed in my nomination papers at the District Council. Quite a moment.

This morning I spent half an hour with a group of pensioners in North Walsham and this evening attended a discussion with some people at the Cliftonville Hotel in Cromer.

The EDP say that there are rumours of an independent candidate. Nominations close tomorrow so this time tomorrow we will know the full lineup.

Sunday Sunday

Tomorrow's Sun says that only one in four young people will vote. That's why I have agreed to take part in four political debates in High Schools around the constituency over the next two weeks. I have to say I believe the turnout here will be far higher, but we shouldn't take it for granted.

I have spent much of today helping put up posters. I don't like disturbing people's Sundays knocking on doors so putting up posters was rather fun - indeed, quite therapeutic. I'm very encouraged by the number of our posters which are going up all over the place. And not too many are being vandalised.

I met one of the North Walsham LibDem councillors in Knapton this afternoon and had a good chat.

A very good policy announcement today by Michael Howard on encouraging people to save for pensions. This is a very big issue which will resound well on the doorstep.

Dale in News of the World Shocker

A poll of marginal seats in today's News of the World tips me to win. Hurrah! On Page 9 of the News of the World the ICM poll shows that the Conservatives are polling three points ahead of the LibDems in Con/LibDem marginals.

The feature story says: "Iain Dale will oust senior Liberal Democrat Norman Lamb, overturning a majority of 483 with the help of 25,000 older voters. Age Concern say 83% of the over-65s are certain to vote. Grey power will see the Tories triumph because of anger over the government's pensions policies."

The poll confirms what I have been finding on the doorstep. Many former LibDem voters, some former Labour supporters and many people whod didn't vote at all have come to the conclusion that the only way to evict Tony Blair from power is to vote Conservative.

Footnote: Norman Lamb is so anonymous at Westminster that the News of the World transposed a picture of him with Dorset South Labour MP Jim Knight!

Campaigning Today

This morning we were in Holt, handing out leaflets and meeting people in the town centre followed by a couple of hours on the doorstep. In the afternoon we were in some of the villages between Fakenham and Wells before rounding off the day in Wells. I hear my opponent is not campaigning at all in the villages and concentrating on the towns.

Our poster display in the west of the constituency is astounding. More and more are going up every day.

And my Jack Russell, Gio, even got a mention in the EDP today!

Village Tour

This morning we did a little village tour around Fakenham and then headed for Aldborough. Again, got drenched. But we kept going nonetheless. Very interesting on the doorstep. What Labour vote there is seems to be holding - we're getting the odd Labour switcher but we detect no sign of a mass Labour defection to the LibDems. There is also not a UKIP voter to be found. I haven't met a single one in the last two weeks. If you spot one, do let me know!

Got a mention tonight on Have I got News for You...

Another drenching

Fakenham and Briston for most of the day. We had a good time at the market - met lots of people and handed out a lot of literature. I wonder how much of it will be read. I always enjoy Fakenham and today was no exception - some very good doorstep chats. Went to a sheltered housing complex in North Walsham this evening.

Charles Kennedy's manifesto launch seemed to go off rather badly. I'm sure he has been suffering from a lack of sleep - who doesn't during ane election? Three weeks tonight and all our fates will have been decided.

Rainy Days

Had a good, if rather rain-sodden morning in Sheringham. I met my parents' former vicar and his wife who moved to Sheringham from Saffron Walden a few years ago. He presided at my sister's wedding. Small world. In the afternoon David Willetts came to North Walsham for a tour of East Coast Plastics in North Walsham and a spot of door knocking. In the evening it was to Wells where we had about 20 canvassers, a quite astonishing number. The fact that I have promised to reopen the hospital has certainly gone down well. One lady, who had voted LibDem previously, said I had given her a real dilemma and wouldn't it be better if they could have both myself and Norman Lamb?! Perish the thought!

Days Like These

Another full day out on the stump, starting in Fakenham and ending in Aylmerton. Our posters are multiplying very well. Our manifesto was launched today. For more details CLICK HERE. The feet are still fairly horrendous - a voter suggested a foot spa. Hmmmm. Think not. The postbag is full of questionaires from various organisations. Another late night beckons tomorrow. Favourite comment of the day? "I've voted Liberal every election since 1974 but I'm voting for you this time to get shot of Tony Blair." Warms the cockles of a candidate's heart!

New Labour Unplugged

A great new blog (sort of) exposing the hypocrisy behind New Labour can be found at NewLabourUnplugged.com. It's gossipy but full of useful ammunition. To get to it CLICK HERE.

North Lodge Park

This morning I attended the protest at North Lodge Park in Cromer. The LibDem District Council want to sell it off. Here's an extract from a press release today...

This morning Iain Dale attended the protest over the LibDem sell off of North Lodge Park in Cromer. Not a single LibDem councillor was present - neither was local LibDem candidate Norman Lamb.

Iain Dale attacked the Liberal Democrats for 'a perverse sort of gerrymandering' over the proposed sale of North Lodge Park. The LibDems had placed the sale of North Lodge Park on the agenda for the full Council meeting on Wednesday. However, they have now decided to defer discussion on it until after the General Election on May 9th.

Iain says: "I am sure Norman Lamb has pleaded with the LibDem councillors to defer discussion because he knows that if the LibDems drive through this appalling sell-off of one of Cromer's jewels it will cost him many votes. It's another example of trying to 'bury bad news' until after the election. If Norman Lamb had any real influence over the ruling LibDem Council group he would have persuaded them to abandon the sale altogether. Norman Lamb should come out in the open and give us his real views. I am happy to publicly declare that I am opposed to the sale. Why isn't he?"

This afternoon I spent some time helping put up some more posters. I won't knock on doors on Sundays as I think it is intrusive, but it's good to see more posters going up.

The Message

This is the message people are giving US on the doorstep, not the other way around... 

Saturday Campaign

Started the day off with a group of supporters wanderng around Sheringham market and then down the high street. Said a quick hello to Norman Lamb who was doing the same thing with a couple of his groupies. We then moved on to Cromer, North Walsham and finished up in Swanton Abbott. By far the best day so far with many switchers, especially from the LibDems.

We've had a number of examples today of our posters being vandalised. Always happens. Funny how the LibDem posters always stay intact.

The EDP called to ask for my comments on a story they are running on Monday on Norman Lamb's decision to carry on canvassing during the Pope's funeral. They asked if I would call for him to apologise. I decided not to. In the end people can make up their own minds about how appropriate it was. It seems the LibDems had a national ban on campaigning but he broke it.

So, what issues are people raising on the doorstep? Today it was predominantly Council Tax and immigration.

Someone saw a black hearse tonight covered with Lamb stickers. Nothing to do with me. Promise!

Funny Canvassing Stories No 2

Voter: So, Mr Dale what are your views on the Suez crisis?

On the Trail

Out of respect for the Pope we did not do any campaigning this morning. All three Parties I had thought had agreed to call a 'truce' until after the funeral. As you will see below our beloved local LibDems decided on a different course of action. I used the time to finish off some election literature amd to record my eight 'one minute manifestos' for North Norfolk Radio. These will be aired from April 18th. Obviously the other candidates are being extended the same courtesy! I also had an indepth questionnaire today from the Eastern Daily Press - favourite book, film, song etc. Nothing political you understand! This afternoon I spent mostly in Briston before going on to a function later in the evening in Cley. Everyone was in good heart.

Tomorrow it's a morning of street campaigning in Sheringham, Cromer and North Walsham before some doorstepping in NW and several villages.

The weather today was typically English. Bright sunshine, rain and snow. And bitter winds. I understand it's going to get worse!

Headline Should Go Here

I understand Norman Lamb was busy campaigning on the streets of Cromer this morning while the Pope was being buried. I think that just about says it all.

Another LibDem Votewinner!

CATHOLIC schools should be thrown out of the state system unless they tell pupils how to obtain the morning-after pill and abortions, according to the Liberal Democrats. For more CLICK HERE.

New Candidate Blog Link

Michael Gove, the Times journalist and my counterpart in Surrey Heath has got a new Blog. CLICK HERE.

I'd do anything for a vote, but I won't do that!

Meat Loaf is becoming a theme of this campaign. I booked tickets the other day for his concert at Blickling on my birthday in July. Yesterday I said something to a voter and she replied "you took the words right out of my mouth" to which I replied "it must have been while you were kissing me! She roared! Today I had my picture taken with a lady with a Meat Loaf tattoo!

Got drenched this morning and this evening. Tomorrow we're not campaigning in the morning out of respect for the Pope's funeral.

Patricia Hewitt is on a very sticky wicket over Rover. She's announced it is in administration yet the company say it isn't. Quite astonishing.

Today's events

Spent most of today in some of the smaller villages. We got a lot of posters up today and had quite a few people ringing in to ask for them. I even picke dup a dozen poster sites while canvassing. The anti-Blair feeling on the doorstep seems to be growing every day. Several people remarked on Michael Howard's excellent performance at Prime Minister's Questions. Have spent the last hour responding to email queries from people who have received my first leaflet. Tomorrow is the first full day of on the street campaigning. We'll be in North Walsham first thing.

Just a minute

Quick post before going out again. Got drenched this morning on the coast, but got 8 new poster sites so am feeling very pleased. Onwards!

Fan in Felbrigg

I have a 'royal' fan in Felbrigg. Obviously a man of taste... CLICK HERE

The First Day

We're off. Into Norwich this morning for our Norfolk/Suffolk campaign launch with Tim Yeo. Good press turnout and did a couple of interviews. Then back to Cromer to start the campaign proper. Good reaction on the streets to our battlebus. Our first leaflet is being delivered all over the constituency and our posters will start going up tomorrow. This evening I spoke to a group of people with learning difficulties and then popped into Sheringham Town Council briefly. Tonight I made my first video email which went out a few minutes ago.

I saw the LibDems first leaflet this afternoon. I do find it amusing they keep calling me 'Michael Howard's Conservative Candidate' - a badge of honour I wear with pride but I suspect it's not meant as a compliment. So much for Charles Kennedy saying they'll fight a positive campaign. The whole leaflet was one long sneer.

First Election Leaflet

Tomorrow morning we start delivering our first election leaflet throughout the constituency. I've uploaded a PDF which you can download by CLICKING HERE. The first bit is upside down as it's the reverse side of the bit with the letter, if you see what I mean!

A Strange Day

Just got back from Wells Town Council. It was dominated by a ninety minute discussion on public toilets. I left just before 10pm and they had only got through about a third of the agenda. The LibDem mayor Joyce Trett came under fire as she is on the District Council's Public Toilets Working Party (I kid ye not!) and had seemingly failed to report back the Town Council what was being planned for Wells. She did her best to get out of a tight corner but to be honest appeared rather rattled.

I had intended to spend much of the day out on the doorstep but we were asked not to go canvassing as a mark of respect to the Pope. I suspect the same will happen on Friday.

Tomorrow we launch our Norfolk-wide campaign with a press conference in Norwich with Shadow Cabinet Minister Tim Yeo. It's hard to believe that we've finally reached the starting gate and that in only 31 days' time it will all be over. MP or not MP, that is the question!

Hacker Beware

This afternoon I received an email from the person who hacked this site yesterday. This person has registered an email address in my name the_iain_dale@yahoo.co.uk. So on top of committing a criminal offence of hacking a website this idiot has compounded the issue by attempting to impersonate me. Enough is enough. On Monday morning I am going to the Police.

If anyone receives an email purporting to come from me from the address the_iain_dale@yahoo.co.uk they should contact me immediately on 01692 538180. My real email address is iain@iaindale.com. It is clear from the messages posted on my Blog that the person who hacked my site is at the very least a Liberal Democrat sympathiser. I hope this is not the start of a dirty tricks campaign by my opponents. I intend to conduct an election campaign which treats my opponents with respect and I am sure they will return the courtesy, but it is up to us all to curb those who stray beyond the bounds of what is acceptable. I have already had several emails from LibDem supporters expressing concern at what has been done apparently in their name. I thank them for their kind words.

Pope John Paul II

It is with a great sense of sadness that we learned tonight of the death of Pope John Paul II, one of the world's greatest statesmen of the last half century. He was a visonary leader of the Catholic church and an inspiration to many Christians all over the world. Along with Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher he helped bring down Communism, the greatest tyranny the world has ever experienced. People of all faiths and none will be saddened by his death. He was a man of vision, conviction and foresight. My thoughts tonight lie with the Catholic community and the people of Poland who have lost a much loved and revered leader."

Another Bizarre LibDem Policy

The Liberal Democrats have published a rural manifesto which includes a bizarre pledge to ban young people under the age of 14 from 'participating in shoots'. There is not, of course, any evidence that such a move would achieve anything other than discriminating against thousands of law abiding youngsters including game shooters, rough shooters, clay shooters, target shooters and service cadets.

Trash TV

I see Tony Blair is being interviewed by Little Any & Dec tonight. A number of comments spring to mind. Pity everyone will be watching Doctor Who on the other side... Reminds me. Must set the video. I tried to record Footballers' Wives on Thursday but forgot I hadn't put the clock forward on the video so only got the last half an hour.

On the Streets

Its a bright sunny day here in Swanton Abbott and I'm just about to leave for a heavy duty day out on the streets. First stop is Aylsham Market where I'm meeting Mid Norfolk MP Keith Simpson. Although it's in his constituency a lot of people from North Norfolk go there on a Saturday morning. Then it's on to Cromer for a couple of hours on the doorstep before speaking at a branch event in Aldborough. And this afternoon on to Potter Heigham and this evening some door knocking in Trimingham. And hopefully when I get back this Blog will still be intact.

Hacked Off

Someone hacked into the Blog late this afternoon and posted a huge amount of moronic rubbish on here. It has now all been deleted I think, but many of my postings were changed. I have trawled through them and I think I have caught everything, but if anyone finds something I may have missed please do let me know.

I believe I know who the hacker is and it is clear that they have connections to the Liberal Democrats. I assume the hacker will be reading this, so let me make one thing very clear. If this happens again I shall report it to the Police. Computer hacking is a criminal offence.

If you can't win your arguments in proper debate it's a pretty sad state of affairs.

I suppose my one consolation from this is that it shows how scared the LibDems are.

Thanks to all those who attempted to alert me about the hacking. Sod's law that I had left my mobile phone in my car while visiting people in Skeyton.

At the EDP

I'm typing this in the offices of Her Majesty's Press in Cromer! Ed Foss, the local news correspondent for the EDP is doing a feature on blogging so I'm showing him how simple it is.

Calm Before the Storm

Another day of planning the election programme. Slipped into Norwich this afternoon for a clandestine meeting with er, someone. I could tell you who, but then I'd have to shoot you... This evening I went to Sculthorpe Parish Council. There were twenty villagers watching the proceedings, something I've never seen before. Normally there are a maximum of two people present, other than the councillors.

Today

Spent the whole day cocooned in Cromer finishing off writing and designing some more election literature. Then did some doorknocking in Worstead. There's a great sense of the calm before the storm at the moment.

For George & England

If you agree with me that St George's Day should be a bank holiday CLICK HERE!

You're not nicked Madam

So Charles Kennedy doesn't want to send female shoplifters to prison. I thought we had sex equality in this country. Not in LibDem la la land obviously. Is this an example of the tough liberalism Mark Oaten keeps harping on about? Methinks not.

Good Time to Bury Bad News?

Sometimes I really wonder. The local Primary Care Trust sent out a press release at 5 to 5 on Maundy Thursday announcing the closure of the minor injuries unit at North Walsham Cottage Hospital. Obviously a good time to bury bad news. The EDP had no chance to quiz them on it as they were all off over the Easter break. It's yet another blow to the local health economy. Since 1998 the number of beds at North Walsham Cottage Hospital have fallen from 23 to 14 and staff shortages forced the minor injuries unit to close during night hours last year. So where's the money gone, Dr Reid?

Mellorphant Man & Tarzan

I had the dubious pleasure of listening to David Mellor on 5 Live today ranting on about Howard Flight. Isn't it amazing how the media have this wonderful knack of dragging out the has beens and never was's to comment on things like this? At least Heseltine talked sense on the Today Programme.

Colditz

Watched Colditz tonight. Rarely have I seen such a terrible drama. The BBC series in the 1970s was much better! I visited Colditz shortly after the wall came down in 1990. It was still being used as a mental asylum so you got a real feel for the place. I got a tour from someone who had lived in the village during the war - totally fascinating. I know there were plans to develop it as a hotel. I hope they came to nothing.

Canvassing Today

And they say the Tory Party is ageing. Today I was the oldest of our canvassers! We even had a 9 year old knocking on doors! We got absolutely drenched in North Walsham where we covered a lot of ground. This afternoon we had a big team out in Ludham. Several switchers from LibDem to us but perhaps more interestingly several switchers from Labour to us.

This evening I picked up a train set for my Dad (don't ask) in Freethorpe which I then delivered to him in Saffron Walden and took the opportunity of visiting my sister Sheena, who has just sprogged. Her new daughter is called Zoe and she even managed to persuade me to hold her for twenty minutes. Amazingly she didn't scream her head off and in fact went to sleep. And I didn't even have to make a speech! Boom boom.

And nobody on the doorstep mentioned the Howard Flight rumpus...

LibDems & Commies

My colleague in Norwich South Anthony Little reports his best comment of the day...

Voter: "If you must know, I'm a communist. So left-wing it hurts. That's why I'm voting LibDem!"

And I see North Norfolk will be benefitting from a visit from Charles Kennedy on Thursday. He'll be in Fakenham. This is quite interesting as the LibDems have a policy of generally not sending him to seats they already hold. Read into that what you will.

Vote for Me!

 Now, don't let me down! Have you voted for my Blog in the Guardian Political Blog Awards! You can do so by CLICKING HERE.

Mourning Common Sense

I hate the compensation culture and political correctness. I received this from a lady in North Walsham. I thought it worth sharing with you...

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm and that life isn't always fair. Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you earn) and reliable parenting strategies (adults, not children, are in charge). His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer Panadol to a student; but, could not inform the parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion. Finally, Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband; churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense finally gave up the ghost after a woman failed to realise that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement. Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust, his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason. He is survived by three stepbrothers; I Know My Rights, I'm A Whinger and I'm A Victim. Not many attended his funeral because so few realised he was gone. If you still remember him pass this on, if not join the majority and do nothing.

Into Labour!

Just sent off my first election leaflet to the printers. I always wondered what it must be like to give birth. Now I know...

Flaneur

I have had several definitions of a flaneur. Not sure I like what I hear, but there you go...!

What's a flâneur? "An idle man-about-town," one of those fin-de-siècle
dandies who ambled through the crowds of European cities in search of
bustle, gossip, and beauty.

One who observes and comments in a witty, sophisticated, detached and slightly mocking manner. To be a flaneur was quite the thing in Paris in the late 19th century. It comes from the French verb which means to stroll, saunter etc.

And from one of my keenest Party members... "Un flaneur - "someone who idles about" - fits you perfectly!! I don't mean it."

Just come back from a morning's canvassing the other side of Holt. Got drenched. Two new poster sites though, so every cloud has a silver lining.

Shortlisted for an Award

I just found out that this Blog has been shortlisted by The Guardian for Political Blog of the Year. They describe it as ''Funny, witty, irreverent weblog of Iain Dale, well known raconteur, flaneur and Conservative PPC for North Norfolk. Informative about North Norfolk issues w/out being tedious.' Can anyone tell me what a flaneur is? Anyway, dear reader, should you wish to vote for me
CLICK HERE. Remember - vote early and vote often! Only joking...

Tomorrow I am out canvassing in Glaven Valley in the morning and we have the final debate in our series of seven at Wells Community Centre at 7pm. I hope people there will be pleased at my announcement last Friday on the Conservative pledge to reopen Wells Hospital.

Religion, Posters and Wind

This morning I was invited to speak to Cromer Bible study group. It was a fascinating couple of hours and we covered a lot of ground - abortion, euthanasia, third world debt, the Middle East and a lot more besides. I always have a simple policy in this type of arena - give your honest views and don't pander to what you think people want to hear. Too many politicians do that and I can't stand it. I had the invitation a month ago, but it appears neither Norman Lamb or Phil Harris, the Labour candidate have bothered to reply.

Got my election posters this evening. Whoopee! They look fantastic.

The Guestwick Wind Turbines have been turned down by Broadland Planning Committee. good on them. We need to put money into biofuels, not windpower.

Blameplotting

You've got to see this. Tony Blair and his crew in Trainspotting. CLICK HERE...

Today in Brief

Attended a house meeting in Swanton Novers hosted by my old boss PAtrick Thompson, who was MP for Norwich North from 1983 to 1997. Then went on to West Raynham Parish Council. Trying to finalise my election literature but have writers block...

New Poster 

A Day in Swanton Abbott

I've spent the whole day on planning the General Election campaign and preparing for the meeting tomorrow in Mundesley on Coastal Erosion. James Paice MP is coming to a public meeting and we'll be talking about Conservative policy on sea defences. We're then meeting a group of farmers near Holt in the afternoon.

The papers are full of Michael Howard speaking out against illegal gypsy encampments and abortion. I'm with him on both.

Today's canvassing

My feet feel as if they are about to drop off. We did seven, yes seven, hours canvassing today. I was in Wells all morning and spent this afternoon in Hickling. What a beautiful village Hickling is. And such nice people too. I met a lovely LibDem lady who told me how much she hates Europe... She voted UKIP in the European elections. It's becoming clear to me that UKIP's vote is fragmenting totally, and that it is by no means all made up of ex Tories. We had several ex Labour voters today switch to us. It's very interesting what is happening to the Labour vote. In some areas it is very solid, but for the switchers, for every one that goes to the LibDems two or three seem to be coming our way. My prediction, for what it is worth is that the Labour vote will reduce from 13% to about 9% or 10%. The LibDems seem to think it will all go to them. My experience is very different.

I'm about to go to Cromer to a fish and chip supper - or in my case very large sausage and chips! Yes, the diet went out the window a long time ago...

Wells Hospital Promise

Here's a press release I issued today...

North Norfolk Conservative Candidate Iain Dale announced today he had won a pledge from the Shadow Cabinet to re-open Wells Hospital if the Conservatives win the General Election, expected on May 5th.

Iain Dale said: "Our Health Manifesto commits us to keeping community hospitals like Wells open. I have had discussions with our Shadow Health Secretary Andrew Lansley, who I have kept up to date with the situation at Wells, and he has told me that under a Conservative Government Wells Hospital would be safe. I am delighted to be the bearer of good news and I want to reassure the local community of what our plans would be. This is a major step forward and I hope it will be welcomed by everyone. A lot of people have spent a lot of time campaigning to keep the hospital open, although it is now clear that the North Norfolk PCT has made up its mind that it cannot reopen as a Community Hospital. I pay tribute to Peter Rainsford and his team who have kept the issue in the public eye. Cottage hospitals are vital for our local rural communities and I am delighted by the Conservative pledge to keep Community hospitals at the centre of our National Health Service.

"Tomorrow I shall be in Wells talking to local people about the hospital and our announcement and I look forward to my debate with the Labour candidate next Thursday at Wells Community Centre (7pm) when he will have the opportunity to match the Conservative pledge. I want to make clear that this announcement is not some sort of political gimmick - hospitals are too important for that. I've made my support for Wells Hospital clear right from the start and have been working with my colleagues in Westminster to achieve what I am announcing today. I hope it demonstartes my ability to influence the debate and get things done and I hope the people of Wells will find reassurance in what we are announcing."

Boiler Trouble

Forgot to say. Plumber came. All sorted - and the plumbing! £30! Hurrah! Kitchen now drying. I had thought a new boiler might be needed. Apparently that would cost £2000! Thank God it's not necessary.

Theresa May Day

 
Up at 8 to collect Theresa May from Norwich Station. After my experiences with IDs, Boris and Cecil Parkinson being 90 minutes late I approached the platform with some trepidation. I need not have feared - I soon spotted the famous shoes stepping towards me. We then drove to Holt to visit the Charles Road Day Centre for people with learning disabilities. We're pictured here with Fred, who kindly showed us round and introduced us to everyone. Then on to North Norfolk Radio where Theresa did a stint for 45 minutes. Then a speedy drive to the Beechwood Hotel in North Walsham. On the way I learnt I had become an Uncle for the third time. My sister had a baby this morning - Zoe Elizabeth. I was so shocked that I started to drive through a red light at some roadworks in Felmingham until Theresa May pointed out what I was about to do! We had a good meeting with a group of 15 people to discuss parental access issues. It was then on to Norwich to visit the Open24-7 centre on Bank Plain. An amazing project. It's a fantastic new youth venue and if it works will be a tremendous asset for Norfolk. This evening Theresa and I attended and spoke at a black tie dinner in Hanworth.

Varied Day

Today was varied to say the least. It started at 9am when I spent a couple of hours talking to 30 pupils of All Saints School, Lessingham. They were 13-16 years old and I have to say they were the most enthusiastic teenagers I have come across. The questions kept coming and coming and coming. And they were good ones too. Quite a lot involved killing... but hey! I had to call a halt at 10 to 11 as I was supposed to be in Mundesley at 11, Great kids. In Mundesley I made a brief speech at Mundesley Conservatives AGM and then spent a very enjoable half an hour with the residents of the Munhaven Old Peoples Home. A great bunch of people. A campaign team meeting in the afternoon which was extremely positive and then Cromer School Governors in the evening. Came home to find the kitchen under water. The boiler's sprung a leak. I know nothing about plumbing. HEEELLLPP!

Gordon Brown's Hubris

Guido Fawkes has a great post today on Gordon Brown's supposed 51 quarters of economic growth - what he doesn't say is that a third of these were under John major after White Wednesday in 1992! Here's what Guido has to say...

Yesterday Gordon took credit in his speech for an impressive 50 quarters of consecutive growth. "Today I can report economic growth for the 50th consecutive quarter. The budget forecast is continued growth in quarters 51, 52, 53 and 54."

An excellent record going back 12 1/2 years to the autumn of 1992. Guido remembers it well, the economy was unshackled from the sado-monetarism of shadowing the Bundesbank on White Wednesday and so began our long unbroken boom...

Lamont sang Non Je Ne Regrette Rien in the bath after he exited us from the ERM madness, but Gordon Brown described the ERM as applying 'socialist planning' to the economy rather than 'relying on market forces'. He told the parliamentary Labour party 'We can fight the speculators if we join the ERM'. Gordon was a fan of the ERM and the Labour party was enthusiastic for Britain to remain shackled to it.

So the foundations of Gordon's 50 consecutive quarters of growth were actually 5 years of Tory economic stewardship with a policy opposed by Brown."

The bit Gordon Brown edited out of his speech comes courtesy of the ADAM SMITH INSTITUE Blog...

In pointing to 50 successive quarters of economic growth, I would like to thank the previous Conservative government under which the first 19 of those growth quarters occurred, and which set Britain on the road to economic success.
I would like especially to thank Margaret Thatcher, who with great effort and courage gave us a flexible labour market and an adaptable economy. This has enabled us to move to high value service industries and adjust to a decline in manufacturing. I thank her especially for doing this despite the total opposition of my own party. Thanks are also due to British businesses, most of which have struggled to bear the extra load of taxation and regulation I imposed upon them, yet still manage to survive and even to prosper. The Chinese deserve my special thanks for helping to keep down inflation. By supplying us with low cost products, they have held down prices and helped us avert upward pressure on wages. And their demand for energy has boosted the revenues we derive from our North Sea oil. Our French and German partners are to be thanked for piling extra costs upon their own businesses, and making ours more competitive by contrast. The investment which has come to Britain instead of to them I particularly appreciate. And of course I must thank the British taxpayers who have paid all of my stealth taxes and seen their own burden rise. More of them than ever before have been swept into higher tax rates, inheritance tax and stamp duty. Tax Freedom Day now comes several days later as they struggle to pay the government’s increased portion of the economy. I thank them. Without all of these brave contributions, the UK’s economic success would not have been possible; and I am duly grateful.

Small Print

In his Budget Gordon Brown said all pensioners would receive £200 off their Council Tax bills - what he did not say was that this is a one off offer for this year only.

In his Budget Gordon Brown said all pensioners would receive free bus travel - what he did not say is that this is for 'off peak only'.

In his Budget Gordon Brown announced a new package of expenditure for school building - what he did not say was that this money has already been announced previously* and that it does not come on stream for four more years.

Same old Chancellor. Same old spin machine!

And another thing...

Isn't this storyline about Katy killing her Dad in Coronation Street totally ridiculous. And no doubt they'll spin it out for a good few more weeks yet. Personally I am still mourning the demise of the reicarnated Crossroads. Pure class.

I see David Blunkett is appealing to the pro-English lobby today. Just seen him on Newsnight. There's something deeply impressive about Blunkers but I can't help thinking he'll never be quite the same again. He's obviously desperate for a second coming, but I cannot imagine Blair will give him as senior a job as Home Secretary. And I read in the papers today that Stephen Byers is tipped for a return. That should get the voters into the polling booths then!

Peter Hain's "attack mongrel" quote was an utter disgrace. Is this really what we're all going to have to put with over the next few weeks?

So Paul Boaeteng is off to South Africa. I've always thought him to be one of Labour's MPs. Quite what the South Africans have done to warrant this infliction I'd better not speculate on.

So Boaeteng to South Africa, Helen Liddell to Australia. What next? Jack Straw to Zimbabwe? Or should that be Uganda? I hear he is not impartial to Ugandan discussions with colleagues in the Parliamentary Labour Party. Well, he is Foreign Secretary, so why shouldn't he?

In case you feel I have lost the thread, I have.

Gresham's School

Tomorrow I am going to Gresham's to speak to a group of 14-15 year olds about the forthcoming election. Not a single voter in sight but I really enjoy doing these school visits. You never quite know what is going to happen but you can guarantee some really good questions.

Theresa May on Friday

We have Theresa May coming to North Norfolk on Friday. I'm organising a discussion with some local people about parental access, which should be quite interesting. I'm getting a diverse group of people together ranging from Families Need Fathers to the Mothers Union. I think family policy is going tobe a big issue in the election campaign.

Back on Form

Feeling very guilty today as I have bought a new laptop. Also got a new mobile phone, although bizarrely enough that was free - it seems I use mine so much I get a free upgrade! The laptop will enable me to post a bit more regularly again. This week my old laptop gave up the ghost so I have not been able to get online very much. A mountain of emails to reply to, especially from people who have received my CD Rom. It seems to have become quite a hit, which is a relief.

Yesterday we spent the whole day in the villages on the coast between Morston and Salthouse.

Comments

I have decided to follow Stephen Pollard's example and delete the Comment facility on this Blog. As we get nearer the election I haven't got time to moderate it and as many of you will know, in recent weeks the Comment facility has been abused by people who ought to know better.

Ping Pong

I see the Commons and Lords are still at it on the Terrorism Bill. That scuppers the gathering of the clans tomorrow in brighton where MPs and Candidates are supposed to have an 'away day'.Hard to see where this one will end. I hear rumours that Blair may call an election on Monday if he diesn't get his way. High stakes indeed.

John Reid Should be Ashamed

I just read this quote from "Dr" John Reid. "If the Conservatives get in there won't just be cancelled operations - there'll be cancelled lives." What an utter disgrace.

Coastal Defence Debate

I've just read the debate yesterday in the Commons which Norman Lamb secured on the Shoreline Management Plan. About 50 people travelled down from Happisburgh to attend. I've read Norman's speech and to be honest I could have happily uttered every word myself. Labour's Tony Wright also spoke and made some valid points. I really believe that this issue is going to dominate the next couple of years for whoever is MP for North Norfolk after May 5th. If you want to read the debate CLICK HERE.

Demanding Audience

Well, I survived the 700 A Level students! I was last on, just after Danny Finkelstein from The Times. They booed him for being pro-war. I think I came across Ok - no tub thumping - just calm, reasoned, measured language. In fact, if anything I was a bit flat, to be honest. The questions were excellent.

Got to do more work on election literature now. I'm convinced Blair will call the election straight after the budget. Better be ready!

Are You Thinking What The Guardian's Thinking?

A very interesting article by Martin Kettle in The Guardian today. He thinks the elections is far from in the bag for Labour. For some reason the link facility isn't working so copy and paste this into your browser... http://politics.guardian.co.uk/columnist/story/0,9321,1432662,00.html

A Levels and the Iron Lady

Apologies for the lack of posts over the last couple of days. Even a candidate has to earn a living, you know! I've spent this evening quaking in my boots about what lies before me tomorrow. Tomorrow afternoon I have to make a speech to 700 A Level Politics Students in london. I'm deputising for David Davis, who has to be in the Commons for the Terror Laws rolling three line whip. I have to speak for 15 minutes and then do 15 minutes questions. Should be fun (yikes...). I'm following Simon Hughes, Michael Meacher, Baroness Scotland and Theresa May.

Today has been spent partly at work but partly doing some spadework on health policies. I intend health to form a major part of my election campaign.

My CD Rom has been hitting people's doormats over the last few days. It'll be interesting to see what the response is like. I've already had a phone call at home this evening from someone who was raving about it - they even want to help in the campaign. Let's hope there are lots more like it.

Yesterday evening a friend of mine held a small party to raise some funds for the campaign in Westminster. I guess about 50 people turned up, including a certain former Prime Minister! And I'm not talking about Ted Heath! It really was great to see Lady T there and she was in fine form. I introduced her to a Labour friend of mine and she fixed me with the famous look and said "She may have voted Labour last time, but you won't be making that mistake again, WILL YOU, DEAR?! My friend shook her head, barely able to utter a reply.

So I have worked out I have had five Leaders of the Conservative Party supporting my campaign - Thatcher, Major, Hague, Duncan Smith and Howard. Roll on Ted Heath...!

LibDems Soft on Crime

 

Varied Times

Set out at 8.45 in blizzard like conditions for the coast. We have a new leaflet on coastal erosion which we're delivering to the coastal villages. What a very cold and wet morning. The snow was a joy (not). Six of us trudged through huge puddles but we did a sterling job and completed delivery in four areas. We didn;t doorknock today due to the weather but I spoke to quite a lot of people who really liked what we were saying in the leaflet. I'll try and upload a PDF of it onto the website soon.

We called it a day mid afternoon and I drove into Norwich to see the Chelsea game. As you may know I am a West Ham supporter so it waa good to see Joe Cole, Frank Lampard and Glen Johnson playing. Joe Cole scored a cracker of a goal, but Norwich were certainly not outclassed, except up front. The new striker Dean Ashton seemed completely out of his depth. I thought Norwich's new defender, whose name now escapes me (Jon Shakkalley?) was very good. Thankfully Delia remained silent!

This evening I have been talking to Norwich North Conservatives. I have a lot of friends there from my time working for Patrick Thompson MP in the 1980s. Their candidate James Tumbridge is only 25 but is doing a good job in his bid to oust my old sparring partner Ian Gibson. I ran the campaign there against him in 1992 when we won by 266 votes. He and I now get on extremely well. He may be one of my favourite Labour MPs but I still hope James beats him obviously!

Snowy Day

Took me 45 minutes to drive from my house in Swanton Abbott to Cromer this morning. Thought we would have to cancel tonight's debate in Fakenham but in the end all the snow went, although it's back with a vengeance as I type this. The weather certainly affected turnout. There were only about 35 people there, which is less than half the number who have attended the previous debates.

Tomorrow we're out on the coast delivering a newsletter on the Shoreline Management Plan to coastal villages. It's going to be a big issue at the election. I'm therefore astonished that Norman Lamb has admitted in the EDP that not only do the LibDems not have a policy on it, they won't have before the election. I won't be making the same mistake.Tomorrow evening I'm paying my first visit to Carrow Road for many years. Norwich are playing West Ham Reserves, commonly known as Chelski. I look forward to seeing Joe Cole, Frank 'lard arse' Lampard and Glen Johnson again. Ah, those were the days.

Then in the evening I am speaking at a Norwich North Conservative function.

Give Ian Huntley the Vote says Charles

Here's a piece from the Press Association about Charles Kennedy's appearance on Channel 5. He certainly knows how to get the votes, doesn't he?

Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy today faced a grilling from the public in a televised interrogation. Mr Kennedy was quizzed on a range of policies from the war in Iraq, to GM crops, Europe and income tax. During the hour-long discussion on Channel Five he advocated giving convicted criminals like Soham killer Ian Huntley the vote. He was also forced to defend accepting up to £10,000 a year in party funds from fast-food giant McDonald’s despite Lib Dem support for healthy eating. Mr Kennedy rejected putting retribution to satisfy the victims of crime above reforming criminals. On the question of votes to prisoners, he said: “We believe that citizens are citizens, full stop.” Quizzed on whether, in that case, Ian Huntley should be allowed a say, he added: “If you take the view, as we do in principle, that an individual citizen is an individual citizen, that means you have entitlements that go with it in terms of voting.”

Wells Hospital Leak

I had a leaked document today from the Primary Care Trust on Wells Hospital.CLICK HERE for details.

On the Radio

Spent a very enjoyable hour on North Norfolk Radio this morning. Some excellent questions - indeed I am told it was the highest reponse they had had to a studio guest. Slightly embarrassing that my mobile went off half way through despite me having though I had turned it off. Very unprofessional!

LibDems Missed Chance

On Monday, had one third of the LibDem MPs turned up to vote (including N Lamb) the government would have lost its vote on giving the Home Secretary the right to lock up terrorist suspects. Mr Kennedy said that, with the benefit of hindsight, "the judgment call wasn't the correct one". Not for the first time Charles. It has to be said that 24 Conservatives were not present either, but that is only 14%.

North Norfolk Radio

I'll be on North Norfolk Radio for an hour today 11am to 12 noon on Richard Lawson's programme, should anyone wish to listen in!

Take the Test

CLICK HERE to take a very interesting test to confirm your political leanings. Take the long version - it's only 15 questions. I came out as a liberal Conservative, which was a bit of a relief...

Michael Howard at PMQs

Michael Howard raised today the case of someone whose operation had been cancelled seven times. I had a letter last week from a lady in Bacton whose husband had had exactly the same experience at the N&N. Luckily last week he had the operation but it had been cancelled in each of the preceding five weeks. I write this here to illustrate that the example Michael Howard quoted is not an isolated incident.

Lamb Gets Debate on SMP

Just heard that Norman Lamb has secured a Westminster Hall debate on the Shoreline Management Plan next Tuesday. This is good news and I have congratulated him on it. It will be an opportunity to put to the Minister, Elliott Morley, the concerns felt by all our coastal communites about the terrible effects of the SMF on the coastal villages of North Norfolk. They are already suffering property blight despite the racing certainty that the SMF will be rejected by the District Council when councillors vote on it.

I am also announcing today that a public meeting will be held on 21 March at the Manor Hotel, Mundesley from 11am-1pm at which our Shadow Environment Minister James Paice MP will be present. He and I will listen to local concerns and outline Conservative plans for a proper sea defences policy.

LibDem Tax & Spend

The IFS has done a very good analysis of the LibDem Spending Plans announced yesterday. CLICK HERE to have a look at it. I understand Vincent Cable was demolished by Paxman last night. They are obviously going after the Old Labour 'tax and spend' vote. Can't see how it will appeal to many natural Copnservatives. I keep being told by people in North Norfolk that they feel the LibDems are getting a bit left-wing, although it has to be said it didn't stop the good people of Horning voting for them last week, bless 'em!

And I think to myself...

I really do seem to have got the LibDems rattled. I've just had a look at the North Norfolk Page on Vote-2005. Quite astonishing. The level of personal vitriol and outright lies are something to behold. I suppose they think they're being clever. I suppose in their weird little world, they are. Not a world I wish to inhabit thank you very much.

An Evening with Widders

Last night I was in Crewe hosting another Evening with Ann Widdecombe. Crewe has a truly wonderful theatre, the Lyceum. We had about 350 in the audience and it was one of the best we have done. These Evenings With have been a bit of a hit. Tony Benn, Norman Tebbit and William Hague have all been packing them in. And they say there's no appetite for political debate. What it proves to me is that the public are fed up with the filter of the media and they want to see their politicians in the raw. Now there's a thought...