Managing a Crisis

Went to lunch in Burnham Market. Superb journey. Roof down. Sun blazing. What a day. Spent this evening catching up on yet more correspondence and watching an interactive crisis management programme on BBC2. It concerned a plague outbreak in Liverpool. They had people pretending to be Ministers deciding on how to react. On screen you could make decisions on how to handle the crisis. Glad to say I got 4 out 5 right. So the good people of North Norfolk can sleep easy in their beds tonight!

Having a quiet evening in...

What a wonderful day. It's days like this I feel I am the luckiest candidate in the Conservative Party. There's no better place to be in the country than North Norfolk when the sun's out, the birds are singing and combines are in the fields. Had a slight change of plan and spent the morning in the Erpingham area and the afternoon in Tunstead and Weybourne. I've always liked Weybourne, and not just because John Major lives there. Having a quiet evening in watching England v Austria and catching up on emails. 1-0 at half time. Not a very good game. Tomorrow off to lunch in Burnham Market with Keith & Pepi Simpson and others.

From Erpingham to Exit

Tomorrow morning I'm out and about around Erpingham, Aldborough and Alby and will then spend the afternoon on the doorknocker in North Walsham. It's been a great week weather-wise, and it's not often I could have said that in recent times. It's also been quite a good week for George W Bush. Having watched a lot of the Republican Convention on the BBC Parliament Channel I have to say some of it left me slightly queasy. I thought Guiliani and Schwarzenegger were good, but Elizabeth Dole was terrible - and to think, I supported her for the Presidency once! Her constant religious moralising really grated. I think it's very dangerous when politicians start acting as if they were quasi-priests. Equally, I don't particularly like it when sermons become political speeches. I remember sitting through a sermon once debating whether to walk out of the church. In the end I decided not to but of course afterwards wished I had. Not quite sure how I got from Erpingham to a religious walkout, but that's the beauty of blogging!

You Know You're a Conservative When...

I spent yesterday night watching some of the Republican Convention in New York. I can't say it inspired me very much. I am fascinated by American politics but it seems to me that any speaker only had to say "I love America" and they were guaranteed a standing ovation. Not a sign of any real policy anywhere. Now I never thought I'd say this, but it was only when Arnold Schwarzenegger spoke that the event came to life. It was still quite schmalzy, but there was one passage which I thought was excellent. Just delete the word Republican and insert Conservative...

My fellow immigrants, my fellow Americans how do you know if you are a Republican? I'll tell you how. If you believe that government should be accountable to the people, not the people to the government...then you are a Republican! If you believe a person should be treated as an individual, not as a member of an interest group... then you are a Republican! If you believe your family knows how to spend your money better than the government does... then you are a Republican! If you believe our educational system should be held accountable for the progress of our children ... then you are a Republican! If you believe this country, not the United Nations, is the best hope of democracy in the world then you are a Republican! And, ladies and gentlemen ...if you believe we must be fierce and relentless and terminate terrorism ... then you are a Republican!

If you want to read Arnie's entire speech CLICK HERE

Harvest, Holkham & Holt

Whay a typical dingy bank holiday weekend. I'm off to see my parents near Saffron Walden today to help my Dad with the harvest. Weather permitting of course. I'm looking forward to getting behind the wheel of the combine for the first time this year. This weekend in Norfolk has been a bit of washout. I never did get to Holkham but we took the dog to a beach near Mundesley instead. Gio had never seen the sea before and didn't quite know what to make of it. Not sure he liked it, especially when he didn't get out of the way of a wave! Politics has taken a back seat over the last few days. The only thing I have done is attend a Holt Conservative coffee morning and catch up on some overdue correspondence, much of which concerns the dreaded wheelie bins. The Council really are acting in such a high handed manner over the introduction of these bins. Some of the language in letters to residents has to be seen to be believed. One or two of the Council officials ought to bear in mind that it is the residents who are their employers.

Damp Days

Spent a damp morning in Felmingham. I'm supposed to he on holiday this weekend but it seems a candidate never entirely escapes! I'm going over to Holkham this afternoon to take my Jack Russell Gio for a walk along the beach. I suppose the odd ray of sunshine is a bit too much to hope for!

Letter in the EDP

My letter about phone masts was in the EDP today. They had a surprisingly good editorial on Tuesday about David Davis's attack on the compensation culture and Human Rights Act. Indeed, they were effusive in their praise until they said we should have gone further and said we should withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights. But still they added for good measure that we were being opportunistic. Is there no satisfying some people?! It must be nice being a newspaper leader writer. They can say what they like without any fear of ever being held accountable for what they say. They should try politics sometime...

Those naughty LibDems

Nick Cohen, a left of centre columnist for the Observer, has an interesting column in today's Observer about the use of racist tactics in by-elections. In July I sparked off an interesting debate with a regular reader of this Blog about a LibDem leaflet in Leicester South which in Asian areas called the candidate Parmjit Singh Gill and in predominantly white areas left out the Singh. I described this as overtly racist and was amused to see the tortuous defence mounted on behalf this LibDem tactic. Nick Cohen goes one step further. Here's a quote from his article...

The Liberal Democrats often provoke their opponents into going over the top. They pose as saints while fighting campaigns which are as dirty as anything Labour or the Tories can manage - often dirtier. They shift their shape depending on which constituency they're contesting. Are they right or left? Pro-privatisation or anti? For the overthrow of Saddam Hussein if the weapons inspectors had been given more time, or against? Answers to these questions have more to do with geography than ideology. For the duration of a campaign, the Liberal Democrats are whatever a contested constituency wants them to be. Thus in Hodge Hill, a Lib Dem leaflet sent to predominantly Muslim wards featured a picture of Charles Kennedy surrounded by Asians. The same leaflet was pushed through the doors of predominantly white wards, but only after a quick bout of ethnic cleansing at the printers had removed all trace of the brown faces.

For more LibDem campaign tactics visit LibDemWatch.

On the Radio

I'll be on the radio for three hours Friday night from 10pm to 1pm on the Brian Hayes Show on 5 Live. 909 & 693 AM or on digital radio. It's a god mix of politics, sport and humour. Just my thing! If you tune in let me know what you think.

Holt Youth Centre

I've just come back from the opening of a new Youth Centre in Holt. What an uplifting evening - a real display of a community coming together to achieve something real. Well done to everyone involved. It's cost more than £150,000 and all raised locally. Needless to say there was nothing from the lottery. If this wasn't deserving of a lottery grant then God knows what is.

Buck up EDP

I banged off a letter to the EDP about their ridiculous editorial yesterday. I honestly despair of them sometimes. Why is it that they sneer at anything a political party proposes, calling it "opportunistic" or horror of horrors "populist". Far be it from a politician to propose something popular which also happens to be right. They were slagging off our new proposals to give local people and councils proper powers over the siting of mobile phone masts. Funny that the EDP itself has campaigned for this. It's at times like this that I really do think the media are just as much to blame for our political malaise as politicians. They forster a culture of cynicism. The end. Well almost. Here's the letter...

Your editorial today (18 August) displays what is wrong with journalism today. You sneer at new Conservative policies on phone masts and transport as "populist" and "opportunistic vote-seeking". I assume this means you think we've hit on policies which might be popular with voters. What a mistake for a political party to make! We believe that local decisions are best taken by local people and their representatives so the slogan (You decide where they go) on Phone Masts is not misleading at all. Local councillors will be given greater powers to decide the siting of phone masts. I thought this was something the EDP had been campaigning for. Strange. You properly record the fact that West Suffolk MP Richard Spring has been leading the campaign against phone masts in rural areas so for us to take this up as an issue can hardly be called opportunistic.

Cromer on Steve Wright!

Steve Wright on Radio 2 has Cromer Pier as his webcam of the day. CLICK HERE!

Cromer Gridlock

I sent out a press release last night on traffic problems in Cromer. I did interviews about it on North Norfolk Radio & Radio Norfolk today...

Conservative Parliamentary Candidate Iain Dale has called for urgent action to be taken over Cromer's growing roads paralysis.

Iain says: "Gridlock affects everyone - local residents, holidaymakers, local businesses, buses and taxis alike. But it is threatening to ruin local livelihoods, especially among local taxi drivers. A normal journey of 3-4 minutes from Safeways to the Doctors Surgery on Overstrand Road is taking on average 23 minutes. One day last week it took a particular taxi driver 42 minutes to cover that journey. The last thing we want is for anyone to steer clear of Cromer because of traffic jams."

Iain describes the traffic jams in the town as "environmental madness". He says: "More that £2.5 million has been spent on the regeneration of Cromer yet the result of the changes in traffic management has been stationary cars spewing out tons of pollutants. We need to get Cromer moving again. One of the main problems is the pedestrian crossing outside Woolworths, which clearly needs to be reset."

Iain is urging anyone with ideas to solve the gridlock in Cromer to contact him. "I will be discussing this issue with my district and county council colleagues to see what can be done."

Violence, Blunkett & Cherie

Made a speech to Stalham Conservatives on our crime initiatives at lunchtime today. Violet crime has gone up 88% in North Norfolk since 1999 - a frightening figure. I've also just sent out a press release on traffic gridlock in Cromer. People are getting very frustrated indeed. I'll add the press releases to the website in the next 24 hours.

So David Blunkett is having an affair with a married woman. Isn't it odd that the BBC hasn't mentioned it on any of their news bulletins? I suspect it might have been different if it had been a Conservative politician. And why on earth isn't there a national outcry against Cherie Blair's £30,000 a time speeches in America. Just imagine the media frenzy if Denis Thatcher or Norma Major had done it. She ought to be ashamed of herself. Still, I suppose she'll be writing the speeches while she is sunning herself at Berlusconi's palace in Italy. What a national embarrassment she is becoming.

Violent Crime up 88% in North Norfolk

I've just issued this press release...

Iain Dale, Conservative Candidate for North Norfolk this weekend supported new Conservative proposals to tackle soaring levels of alcohol-related violence and yob behaviour in village and town centres across North Norfolk. Analysis of Home Office crime statistics has revealed that the number of offences of ‘violence against the person’ across North Norfolk have soared by a massive 88% per cent since 1999, up from 545 to 1022 a year – with alcohol a key cause. Iain Dale explained in a speech on Sunday to Stalham Conservatives: “I am all in favour of people having a good time out. But in Sheringham, Cromer and Fakenham, like in towns and cities across Britain today, we are creating not a café culture, but a yob culture. The right to have a drink brings with it a responsibility – the responsibility not to ruin everyone else’s evening. I have lost count of the times that hard working, law abiding couples have told me they’d rather stay in now than run the gauntlet of the binge drinkers who have taken over their town and feel intimidated by the growing levels of yob behaviour.” Under the new policies proposed by Conservatives local councils will have greater discretion over licensing hours, rather than having to follow Whitehall diktats. This will mean local residents will have a greater say. There should be stronger powers to control late licences to prevent ‘disorder hotspots’ where they are too many bars or pubs in a vicinity. Councils should have the ability to prohibit ‘all you can drink’ promotions, where young people are encourage to binge drink on free drinks after paying a one-off entrance fee. Iain Dale continued: “Binge drinking and under-age drinking has a direct link to soaring levels of violent crime – no wonder that violent attacks across North Norfolk have soared by 88% per cent since 1999. This is not just due to statistical manipulation – the face of North Norfolk has changed. It is time to reclaim our streets and make them safer for everyone at night.”

A Busy Weekend

Just got back from the Cley Branch seafood supper at which my old friend Sir Alan Haselhurst was the guest speaker. We had a turnout of more than 100 which was excellent. I've known Alan since I was a 15 year old school kid in Saffron Walden. Interestingly there were quite a few ex residents of Saffron Walden there tonight.

Earlier in the day I was at Rebecca House Dementia Care Unit in North Walsham to hear the latest from the Mental Health Trust on their plans for the home. It was quite an emotional meeting with several of the patients' relatives expressing their deep concerns about the future. They are right to be worried and I have got to think very carefully about the next move. It's quite clear to me that government policy is to blame for this situation and that the Mental Health Trust's policies are being drive directly from Whitehall.

This afternoon I visited a homeless project in Cromer where I met a fascinating group of people who run a hostel for homeless people.

Tomorrow I start the first of my village tours. I am going to Aylmerton, Gresham, West Beckham and Bodham, before going over to Hempton and Sculthorpe in the afternoon. Then it's off to a do in Southrepps in the evening.

RAF Coltishall

Keith Simpson has been keeping me informed of developments regarding the future of Coltishall. There was a well attended public meeting in Coltishall village tonight which Keith spoke at. People are afraid of the unknown and it's now we've all got to make our views heard. I see the way forward ideally as keeping the base for a military use, but it's early days. Until we find out what the MoD are thinking this air of uncertainty will continue. I am glad the County Council are taking this extremely seriously and I have had several exchanges with the Head of Economic Development.

This weekend

What a gorgeous day. I've spent much of it delivering surveys to the villagers of Swanton Abbott. This evening I'm off for dinner at a friend's house in Drayton. Yesterday I went over to Swanton Novers and later in the afternoon spent a very enjoyable couple of hours on the Broads with Keith & Pepi Simpson. Went for dinner at the Walpole Arms at Itteringham.

Bits & Pieces

On Thursday I went to Upper Sheringham Parish Council, where I learnt that the cost of maintaining and insuring 7 lampposts has increased from £100 to £800 a year in twelve months. Ridiculous. How on earth are Parish Councils supposed to come up with that sort of money? Many people do not know this but Parish Councils have a very small budget, mostly only about £2,000. I would like to see them strengthened. At the moment they have few powers, and little influence.

Yesterday I visited the Muckleburgh Collection at Kelling. It's a sort of mini Duxford with a wonderful collection of old second world war vehicles, including a tanks, jeeps, guns etc. Their most recent acquisition is a Swiss army tank, which has recently been decommissioned. Can't think it saw much active service!

Yesterday afternoon I spent visiting several old people's homes and in the evening drove over to Fakenham to see someone who had responded to my newspaper. Had a very interesting discussion about education and international aid. Talking of the latter, I have invited our Shadow International Aid Spokesman John Bercow to come to North Norfolk on 21 October, so if anyone interested in the subject would like to meet him, do get in touch.

Today I'm out on the streets this morning and then later on we're going out on the Broads with my friends Keith & Pepi Simpson to celebrate her XXth birthday - oops, the keyboard got stuck there...

On the Radio

I much enjoyed the radio show on Wednesday night. Matthew Bannister was away so it was hosted by Anita Arnand, who's a lot like Fi Glover, with whom I used to present Sunday Service on 5 Live. Highlight of the evening was when we asked listeners to come up with 10 Sporting Commandments. I thought I'd be helpful to Sven and came up with "Thou shalt not covet thy secretary's ass". Cue raucous laughter. Wonder if I'll be invited back? Actually, I already have been - on 20 August. 10pm-1am. Put it in your diary!

I'm going to be on 5 Live tonight from 10pm to 1am on the Matthew Bannister Programme. Tune in on 909 or 693 medium wave or 855 on Sky Digital.
 

Good God...

Amazing, I've finally worked out how to upload photos onto the Blog. There's no stopping me now... You have been warned.

With Michael Howard and 'George' outside Icarus Hines butchers in Cromer. 

Here, There..

I spent most of Sunday in Fakenham visiting people who has responded to my latest newspaper and attending a lunch held by Fakenham Conservatives. Lovely weather and a brilliant turnout of more than 70 people. Yesterday I visited a major fruitgrower in the constituency and spoke at a dinner at the Feathers in Holt. Today it was back to earning a living...

Catching Up

Spent the morning in Blakeney then drove all the way down to Horning to speak at a lunch on public services. This afternoon I visited the Worstead Festival. Spent a very exciting Saturday evening catching up on email correspondence. I know to live, don't I? Yesterday evening went to my favourite restaurant in Norfolk - and indeed the whole country - Jacque. It's in Garden Street in Cromer. Superb food, great service. Try it out. You won't be disappointed. To visit their website click HERE. Tomorrow it's off to Fakenham for the day.

Police Funding Crisis

Commenting on tonight's breaking news that Norfolk and Suffolk Police
forces are facing a funding crisis, North Norfolk Conservative
Parliamentary Spokesman Iain Dale will say tomorrow (Saturday) in a
speech in Horning:-

"We face the real prospect of a cut in policemen in Norfolk and the
fault lies squarely at the door of David Blunkett. He talks tough but
has shackled the Police at every opportunity by imposing ridiculous
amounts of bureaucracy and paperpushing. These extra burdens are
unfunded and he expects local council tax payers to do his dirty work
for him. We learnt this week that the Norfolk Norwich Hospital is £15
million in the red and that local schools are about to lay off 100
teachers. Now we learn that police are under threat too as a £7.8
million black hole has been discovered in Norfolk Police funding. This
is too much of a coincidence and demonstrates clearly that Labour are
underfunding our public services while at the same time spinning that
things have got better. Norfolk people can see clearly with their own
eyes what is happening and no amount of spin from David Blunkett can
hide the fact that our Police are facing a mounting funding crisis.

School Funding

The EDP carried a story today saying that Norfolk schools will lose 104 staff in the next year. Isn't it incredible that the government trumpet the extra money they have put into schools, yet teachers tell you that it has made not the slightest difference in the way they are able to do their job. This is because it has all gone on extra National Insurance contributions and pensions - very little has been seen at the chalkface. Small wonder with all the missives fired off to head teachers every day imposing yet more bureaucracy on schools. I would like to see schools get block funding which the head teacher and governor spend as they see fit according to their local circumstances. That's what will happen under a Conservative Government.

LibDem Watch & Another Mention in The Grauniad

I feel duty bound to share with you the delights of LibDem Watch, a prime example of what blogging is all about. Click HERE to be educated on the true face of Britain's third party.

Incidentally, this Blog is featured again in The Guardian today, although they have rathwer irritatingly told their readers I am the candidate in Norwich North. Click HERE to read their feature on political blogs.

Notting Hill? I Prefer Swanton Abbott!

You can always tell when political journalists have nothing better to do when they start writing ridiculous stories about political groups who carry 'influence'. This week has seen an outbreak of this journalistic disease with copious articles in Her Majesty's Daily Telegraph about the Notting Hill Tory set. Click HERE to read the Guardian's take on it today. I have to break the sad news that while one or two of these people are friends of mine I have never knowingly been to Notting Hill. It all started with an article by Alice Thomson who identified these people as the future of the Tory Party - it just so happened that every person she mentioned in the article was a personal friend of hers! And so a story was born... Personally I prefer to be part of the Swanton Abbott Set!

Stranger and stranger, said Alice...

For some reason a couple of my recent entries have been deleted. Most perplexing...

Lazy Lazy

I have just realised to my horror that it is nearly a week since I posted a message on here. Shame on me. This week we've been busy delivering the second issue of my newspaper, North Norfolk Matters, all over the constituency. I've had loads of phone calls and emails as a result. And we've even had some people offer to deliver the next issue in their area. Much of the last week has been dominated by thoughts about the future of RAF Coltishall. I hope it won't descend into a parrty political spat. From what Norman Lamb has said I suspect he and I think along the same lines on this...well it had to happen sooner or later. The one thing people want now is some certainty, especially the local businesses. I'm glad to see the County Council has responded so positively. More on this later in the week.

Going, going...

Tomorrow is crunch day. Some think our beloved PM may choose the tenth anniversary of his accession to the Labour leadership to resign. I guess it would appeal to his vanity. Others think he's going to have a Cabinet reshuffle. If he does that he'll definitely be there for the next election. Word on the street is that Peter Mandelson may make another phoenix like comeback either as European commissioner or Cabinet Minister. Wouldn't it be funny if Blair offered Brown the Foreign Office and he refused? What a way to run a railway... Talking of which, Labour announced their 10 year Transport Plan today. Strange that. They did the same thing 4 years ago. I imagine they'll soon announce the creation of a Transport Czar - then we'll really know they are in trouble. The main plank of this 10 Year Plan is to charge people for using the roads. Amazing. I thought we did that already through our taxes. I have no objection to the principle of 'the user pays' but I somehow doubt there would be a commensurate reduction in tax.

And also today they announced a review of Council Tax. It seems they want to not only increase the number of bands but also to introduce a local income tax. This really could do for Labour in the same way that the Poll Tax did for Mrs T.

Blog Fame

This Blog has been featured in the Hansard Society publication Political Blogs: Craze or Convention. They picked 8 different blogs to analysie - an MP's, journalists, presure groups etc and they picked mine as an example of a candidate's blog. I have to say the report is a bit anodyne but it's nice to be included! If you'd like to download the report - it's only 14 pages - Click Here.

Ladies Day

Today I made a speech at the European Union of Women lunch at Crostwick and this afternoon I paid a visit to the Anglican nuns in Walsingham. They're a feisty lot! Tomorrow it's out on the campaign trail in the eastern part of the constituency. We're delivering my new newspaper and doing some doorstep canvassing.
 
The two by-elections last night were not exactly a success. It certainly wasn't due to a lack of effort, but there's no doubt about it, we should have done better. Mind you, how John Reid kept a straight face when he called the results a score draw I do not know. The LibDems are understandably feeling smug, but I suspect it will be shortlived. Two surefire certainties on election night: Brent East and Leicester South: Labour Gains. Oh, and another one. North Norfolk, Conservative Gain!

Apparently I am "much respected"

Just got home from the Conservative Summer Fair at Gresham's in Holt to discover in the Sunday Times that I am "much RESPECTed". I guess that's quite good to TROT out on the odd election leaflet!

Yesterday I took a carload to help in the Leicester South by-election. We spent the day out on the streets delivering huge amounts of leaflets. Polling day is Thursday. Fingers crossed.

Friday evening was spent at the delightful West Barsham Hall. Cecil and Ann Parkinson came up to support me. Cecil was in good form. Last time he and I appeared on the same platform Ann and I ended up splatered with eggs. It was at UEA 20 years ago. God I feel old...

Just found this on the Gray Monk Blog...

Figures released yesterday show that the Ministry of Defence employs 102,000 soldiers, and 102,600 civil servants. Guess where the cuts are proposed to fall? Right, it isn't among the papershuffler Brigade.

The Customs and Excise and Inland Revenue now employ between them more Tax Collectors than the total manpower in the Navy and the Airforce, yet the Civil Service is growing at a rate of 511 new civil servants per week! This is an increase on last year's 444 new civil servants a week which saw the "service" grow to 5.6 million. Other statistics on this are equally frightening - the Health Service appoints three new managers for each new nurse OR doctor appointed. No wonder the waiting lists keep growing; the money isn't there for research or for proper treatment, and the elderly are left to die rather than spend money treating them.

This situation costs every household in Britain £850 a year and and that cost is growing. The simple fact that there are now more bureaucrats and inspectors in the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Rural Affairs than there are farmers should be sounding off alarm bells everywhere. This is what is costing this country growth (the Chancellor confuses burgeoning bureaucracy with economic growth - more bureaucrats = more paperwork = more jobs = equals growing economy?) and is killing enterprise. They simply can't help themselves. In order to justify all these extra taxguzzlers they have to pass more legislation which in turn creates more inspectors, which in turn consumes more resources, which ......

Belatedly, Blair and his poodles have realised that they have dug themselves into one very large hole and are now proclaiming that they are going to increase defence budgets. Really? The Treasury spokesman gives the lie to this, saying all the principle plans are now settled, the cuts will happen.

Government needs to be cut back. It needs to be answerable; it needs to be small and confined to the regulation of those matters which promote stability, safety, growth, and the well-being of its citizens. This government has failed on all counts. It has undermined the State with its pursuit of honours in Europe, it has all but destroyed the armed forces, it has undermined the Justice system, and it has irreparably damaged the concept of democracy in this country. The Civil Service, created with the best of intentions by Gladstone in the 19th Century, has become a ravening monster which is now so powerful that it is a political force in its own right. Worse, it is answerable to no one and cannot be thrown out - its elite are untouchable and protected from the fallout of their incompetence.

If this situation is not addressed soon, if this government is allowed to continue destroying everything it fails to understand, if the civil service is permitted to grow unchecked, democracy will not be the only casualty - the entire economy will collapse. No country can support the sort of "public sector" now being built in this one; it is simply ridiculous to expect the taxpayers to continue funding these armies of useless and non-productive taxguzzlers, and the economy cannot afford it. The true cost of all this government is not revealed, there are constant attempts to hide it, to obfusticate the issue. Instead our Queen and her family are forced to endure the annual torrent of abuse over "the exhorbitant cost" of the Monarchy. At 61p per household, a bargain against the cost of the parasites at No 10 - £3.20 per week per household!

Since taking office this corrupt and indecent party has increased spending on the promotion of their policies by over 1000% - enough to pay an entire battalion of fighting troops for two and a half years at current wages. The Cabinet Office alone spend in a year on taxi fares - that's right - taxi fares - enough to pay the salaries of around 10 doctors or 30 nurses for a year!

I couldn't have put it better myself.

What if?

My friends at the EU Referendum Blog have a Link to an article on what would happen if Britain left the EU. Not that I am advocating it of course. This is where UKIP fails to convince. It's all very well saying we should leave the EU, but they just haven't done the research to outline the consequences of doing so. This article certainly makes you think though.

Today, Tomorrow, the Weekend

Spent most of the afternoon at Colby Hall Farm courtesy of Holt Farmers' Club. They had an open day for over 100 sixth formers who were there to learn about farming. Norman Lamb was there too. This evening I went to Honing Parish Council. Tomorrow I have a school governors meeting, a meeting with the Primary Care Trust and a campaign meeting. On Friday we have a fundraiser in Walsingham with Cecil Parkinson - a huge number of tickets have been sold by all accounts. And on Saturday I'm taking a dozen people to Leicester South to campaign in the by-election. Sunday it's our Summer Fair at Gresham's School in Holt.

Phone Mast Story in the Eastern Evening News

Read the Eastern Evening News story about me taking David Davis to meet the North Walsham Phone Mast Protesters.

D D Day II

Saturday was an excellent day, apart from the weather, natch. I picked David Davis up from Peterborough station from where we drove to Kelling to a Conservative afternoon tea function. The rains came down and the gazebos nearly blew away. After that I took David to meet the people who are campaigning against the O2 TETRA phone mast on North Walsham Police Station. I hadn't given them much notice so I thought there would only be half a dozen, but around 40 people turned out. It shows how angry they are about O2 riding roughshod over local opinion. David is going to take the issue up with the Home Secretary and I'm going to have another go at the Chief Constable. In the evening we attended and spoke at a dinner at Hanworth - superb function. On Sunday I had to go to Northampton to a conference of all the Conservative candidates in target seats. It was a hugely encouraging event and Michael Howard spoke at the end of the afternoon. I then had to get to Brighton to host another Ann Widdecombe evening. I eventually got home at Midnight. In the last seven days I have covered 1500 miles. Oh, and I see the Sunday Times Atticus column has been reading the Blog again - they printed the Boris Johnson story yesterday...only two weeks late guys!

D D Day

It's David Davis Day. Just off to Peterborough to pick him up. David is my best friend in politics so I'm glad we have a good turnout at the two events we have organised today. I think he's doing a terrific job as Shadow Home Secretary. As many people know, had he run for the leadership I would have been on his campaign team. Indeed, if you remember his announcement outside the House of Commons when he said he would stand aside for Michael Howard I was standing behind him looking like an undertaker! But he made the right decision both for himself and the Party. In many ways that single decision helped unite the Party in a way we haven't seen for two decades. I'm looking forward to the day ahead!

The Last Few Days

Wednesday at the Norfolk Show was excellent. I was on the Norfolk Conservatives Stand for most of the day and had a great time. We were very encouraged by the response, especially from the younger people. Someone said it is almost becoming the rebellious thing to do for young people to support the Conservatives. They may be right. Today I visited Horning First School, which is just what I imagine a rural school should be like. Tomorrow David David is visiting North Norfolk, so a busy day ahead. Sunday I am off to a candidates conference near Northampton before driving to Brighton to host an Evening with Ann Widdecombe.

A Day Out

Just off to the Norfolk Show. Norfolk Conservatives have a stand this year so I'll be put on show as a prize exhibit....NOT!

New edition of my Newspaper

Hot off the press is the second edition of my newspaper, North Norfolk Matters. To download a PDF of the newspaper CLICK HERE. If you live in North Norfolk you should get one through your letterbox over the next few weeks.

Lamb Chickens out of Pre-Election Debates

Here's a press release I have just issued...

LibDem Norman Lamb has snubbed an opportunity to take part in a series of pre-election debates with North Norfolk Conservative Candidate Iain Dale. North Norfolk Radio were prepared to host a series of monthly one hour debates between the two leading contenders to be MP for North Norfolk after the General Election on a variety of current issues, but Mr Lamb insisted he would only take part in such debates during a General Election campaign itself.

Speaking at a Conservative Party tea in Swanton Abbott Iain Dale commented today: "I will debate Mr Lamb any time, any place, anywhere. I think North Norfolk people would welcome the chance to hear some proper political debate between us and I am sorry that Norman Lamb's self-importance has got the better of him. For a public servant to say he refuses to debate isuues of political concern to his constituents is a disgrace. If we are to re-engage people with politics I would hope we could talk about the key political issues in a polite and constructive manner. Of course we should have such debates during a General Election campaign but there are many current national and local issues which we should be debating now. For instance, on North Norfolk Radio on Friday Norman Lamb said he didn’t know whether he would vote in favour or against a European Constitution because he hadn't read it. Instead he said he had relied on political commentators to form his opinions, although he couldn't actually tell us what these opinions were. Is it any wonder that people lose faith in their elected representatives if they are unable to give a lead on such a clearcut issue as this? I am sure the people of North Norfolk would like to hear Mr Lamb state clearly - on a public platform - what his position is, or is he typically trying to face both ways on this issue for fear of offending anyone? My position is clear. I would NEVER vote for a European constitution. At some stage Norman Lamb will have to climb off the fence."

Wet wet wet

Had a very successful fundraiser this afternoon at Swanton Abbott, despite the weather. Had about 60 people here and it was good to see my mid Norfolk friend and colleague Keith Simpson MP with his family. There's a real bouyant mood among the local party at the moment. This morning I went to a fundraising coffee morning in Old Catton for the Ellacombe Dementia Unit Carers Association.

Traffic Jams & Health

Gutted. I'm typing this after a terrible journey, made worse when I got home just in time to catch the end of the England match. I spent a very irritating couple of hours in traffic jams which meant that I missed an important meeting in Cromer. Nothing I could do about it, but I just hate it when it happens. Tomorrow I'm on North Norfolk Radio at 10am, am meeting some GPs in the afternoon and then catching up on work in the office later. On Saturday I'm off to Norwich to a coffee morning in aid of Alzheimers and then having a fundraiser at my house in Swanton Abbott. God alone knows what we'll do if it rains. On this occasion I don't have a Plan B!

I was very impressed by our health announcement this week. I really think this policy will be attractive to people. It's simple to understand and will mean that waiting lists should be a thing of the past. Labour will attack it in their usual tribal manner but if you actually stop and think about it it makes so much sense. People are sick of the "If I can't have it no one should" attitude. In the end no one cares who treats them - NHS or private - as long as they get the treatment they need when they needs it. If the NHS is for whatever reaosn incapable of providing the treatment I see absolutely no reason why the private sector cannot step in. It frees up more capacity in the NHS without depriving it of funds. I'll be interested to see what the healthcare professionals make of it all.

For the Record...

The BBC Politics Show in the East has just run a piece on my promise not to solicit or accept a company directorship if I become MP for North Norfolk. I declined to take part in the programme as they were clearly out to cause mischief among Conservative MPs - which they duly did.

What I have said implies no criticism of any sitting MP who holds outside interests as they are all fully declared in the Register. This option is not open to a candidate. The pledge is personal to me and I would not dream of asking or expecting any other candidate or MP to sign up to it.

A Day on Planet Boris

I really ought to pay more attention to the advice Keith Simpson MP gives me. I saw him at the Lord Lieutenant's bash in Norwich and told him Boris Johnson was coming to North Norfolk today. He chuckled and asked if I had a backup plan and suggested that Boris might not know which station to go to to get to Norwich. Sure enough, at a quarter to nine this morning the phone rings. "Boris here, now look here old boy, it is King's Cross isn't it?" As he was supposed to be on the 9am train from Liverpool Street this was not a promising start to my day. I remained as calm as I could while inwardly cursing and suggested he got a train from Kings Cross to King's Lynn. "Ok, no probs," he said. Five minutes later the phone rings again. "No luck old bean, no train till 9.45, gets in at 11.30". At 11.30 we were due in Stody for North Norfolk Radio. More cursing. Silent, naturellement. Thinking quickly I dialled up the trains website and found a 9am train to Peterborough. "Excellent," trills Boris. Three minutes later the phone goes again. "Damn and blast," says Boris, "we missed it". Luckily there was another one 5 minutes later. Which left me with the small problem of how to get to Peterborough from Swanton Abbott in 15 minutes. I might be a fast driver but I'm not that fast. In the end Boris got a taxi from Peterborough and I picked him up on a rather nasty industrial estate in Wisbech. We arrived at North Norfolk Radio 15 minutes late. Then on to Langham Glass where Boris made a pig. Next stop Pinewoods Leisure Centre for Boris to speak at a Conservative fundraiser. We auctioned a glass pig signed (or rather etched) by Boris. Some farmers gave him an excellnt briefing on sugar beet and everyone seemed happy. Except for me. I was supposed to have him safely delivered in Great Yarmouth where he was speaking for their PPC Mark Fox by 4pm. At 3.20 we still hadn't left. Then came the journey from hell. We got stuck behind every lorry and tractor in Norfolk and eventually got there at about 4.30. So having driven about 150 miles and been driven to the verge of a nervous breakdown I made my way home to Swanton Abbott looking forward to a trip to Sainsbury's. Back to reality after a day on Planet Boris. What a superstar he is!

Thanks Antony...

My colleague Antony Little has a great little piece on his blog this week.

Those Lib Dem Election predictions in full…

1.We’ll get 3 MEPs in the Eastern Region … erm, just the one, actually.
2.Simon Hughes is the only man who can beat “Ken Livingstone” … erm, Simon came a humiliating third well behind Steve Norris, actually.
3.Lib Dems will make strong advances … erm, they came a very sad 4th behind UKIP at the Euro Elections, actually.
4.“Liberal Democrats Winning Here” … erm, they lost control of Norwich after just two years and lost 12 councillors, actually.

Couldn't have put it better myself. He might have added that they also lost nearly 50% of their General Election share of the vote in North Norfolk.

Preparing for Boris...

A day at the office today followed by an evening mowing the lawn... Oh, and preparing for Friday's visit to North Norfolk from Boris Johnson. Is Norfolk prepared? Am I prepared? I'm a wreck just thinking about it...

Euro Aftermath

Well I got it right in predicting the result in the Eastern region, but that diesn't take away from the fact that it was actually not a great night for any of the three main parties. In North Norfolk our vote held up remarkably well under the UKIP threat and the fact that the LibDems lost nearly half their General Election share of the vote was certainly a god sign for me. But it's one of those results where if you want to draw positives from it you can, and if your opponents want to, so can they, although quite what Labour can glean from it I'm not sure. I'm not usually one to have a go at the media but to suggest that the results were more disastrous for us than Labour is a joke. Labour got 22% of the vote - 22%!!! We shouldn't lose sight of the fact that we won both the Local elections and the the European elections. A time for cool heads.

Euro Predictions

It's a dangerous game predicting elections results, but I got the 1992 results spot on. I predicted a Tory victory of 21 and put £20 at 80 to 1 on that outcome. However, the friend I asked to put the bet on for me forgot. £1600 down the swanee... My prediction for this evening is that in the Eastern Regio the Conservatives will get 3 seats, UKIP 2, LibDem 1 and Labour 1. However, Labour may not get any at all. Apart from the size of the UKIP vote the other story will be the failure of the LibDems to make any headway at all. Indeed, I think their share of the vote might possibly be eclipsed by UKIP. In addition, people should analyse where UKIP's vote has come from. My feeling is that is has come from right across the political spectrum, not just from the Conservatives. At 9 o'clock we'll see if I was right.

Lazy Sunday

I am taking most of the day off today until I attend the Euro Count in Cromer this evening. Two nights running I have been to bed at 4.30am so I need to recharge the batteries a bit today! Yesterday I spoke at a lunch in Holt, attended the Cromer High School Party in the Park and then spoke at a Conservative function in the evening. Friday was spent mopstly on the M11. I popped back down to Tunbridge Wells to do a few hours work at Politico's but it took four and a half hours to get there. Then spent three highly entertaining hours speaking to the nation on Radio 5 Live. Polling day went well. Bizarrely there was absolutely no sign of any LibDem activity at all - no tellers, no sign of any knocking up, few posters. I am told by a reliable source that LibDem HQ is none too pleased with Mr Lamb's efforts and have given him a severe talking to.

Knocking Up

Entering the final two hours of knocking up potential Tory voters. Must dash!

What an Insult!

Good God. I have just received the biggest insult I've had for years. I was booked to appear on GMTV on Sunday and I've just been informed I've been dropped in favour of Tessa Jowell! Can you belieeevvvve it?!!! Will I ever get over it? However, 3 hours on Five Live will have to suffice tomorrow night. Listen in from 10pm on 090 and 693 medium wave.

Last Time, This Time

Last time the European elections were held in 1999 the turnout in North Norfolk was 32%. The result was:-

Conservative 11,111 (43%)
Labour 5,649 (22%)
LibDem 3,706 (15%)
UKIP 2,132 (8%)

This time we have the Martin Bell factor to contend with. Despite the EDP's attempts to portray him as some sort of Messiah figure his campaign has failed to catch light, but he will no doubt attract the votes of the disaffected. The electorate has increased a little since 1999 to about 82,000. The LibDems can hardly fail to do better than their miserable 15% of the vote last time, although they have fought a curiously lacklustre campaign in North Norfolk. Even their usual barage of posters has failed to materialise. Their literature has been significantly lower quality than usual and I haven't seen a single LibDem canvasser on the streets - and neither has the electorate from what I can gather. Labour has been equally anonymous and I expect their vote to decline sharply. I worry that the BNP will do well. Last time they only got 300 votes - 1% of the vote. UKIP will also do better and attract votes from across the political spectrum. If they do well, expect Kilroy Silk to attempt a putsch. But of course the only person left with a grin on his face if UKIP do well is Tony Blair. Just remember that if you're at all tempted to vote for them!

UKIP and the BNP

Sorry about the lack of posting since Sunday. This week has been spent mainly on the doorsteps of North Norfolk. Yesterday evening I went to Happisburgh Parish Council. The Deputy Leader of the local council, Clive Stockton (a LibDem) is the chairman of the council. He owns the Hill House pub in Happisburgh and is a political opponent who also happens to be a genuinely nice guy.

Today I have been in Southrepps, Northrepps, Sheringham and Holt. It's been very interesting how the political climate has changed. Up until last week I had barely come across a UKIP supporter. Sadly I cannot say the same today. Bizarrely several LibDem voters say they are voting UKIP. I even had a UKIP voter who quite liked the idea of the euro!!! How I managed to keep a straight face I just do not know. But this evening I experienced a first. I've been doorstep canvassing for 20 years but I have never - never - had anyone actually look me straight in the eye and say they are considering voting for the BNP. It happened tonight. Twice. In Sheringham of all places. Yesterday it happened once, in a very sleepy North Norfolk village. There is a real sense out there that the main parties are not addressing people's concerns, so they therefore look elsewhere to lodge a protest. If our national leaders do not start addressing this soon there could be terrible consequences. I actually think I persuaded the two potential BNP voters not to do it, but it makes me wonder how many others there are out there who I will never get to.

Winning one for the Gipper

I just received an email from one of my best friends, who lives in Washington. I met Daniel in 1992 when he was over here working for Patrick Thompson MP in Norwich North. We hit it off instantly and even though he is 3000 miles away he remains the friend how understands me best of all.

In 1994 Daniel and I took our fathers to the Normandy beaches just before the 50th anniversary events. It was one of the most moving few says of my life. Daniel's father died four years ago yesterday. Here's an email he sent me last night. In the subject line he wrote "You've got to win North Norfolk for the Gipper, Iain!"

"I am sad beyond words. Today is the day four years ago that Ed died and today we lost Reagan. I am now off on vacation through the June 18th but look forward to talking to you upon my return. Nancy and I are now back in DC-- home again if you will. We will remember and honor both of them on the campaign trail as you speak truth, think boldly and simply be yourself."

Well said.

Ronald Reagan RIP

Ronald Reagan died tonight after a ten year fight against Alzheimers. He, more than anyone, was responsible for the West winning the Cold War and the fact that the countries of Eastern Europe are now free. He, Mikhail Gorbachev and Margaret Thatcher were the political giants of the latter quarter of the 20th century. Reagan was a truly great American President and I cherish his memory. I remember his truly inspirational speech at Pointe du Hoc in France on the 40th anniversary of the D Day landings. I remember his words of comfort to the relatives of those who died on the ill-fated Space Shuttle of 1987 and I remember his speech in Berlin where he said "Mr Gorbachev, tear down this wall." A truly great man.

On the Campaign Trail

A day on the doorstep today in the east of the constituency - Stalham, Ludham and Horning. Got absolutely drenched in Stalham. Tomorrow I shall be in Sheringham and Wells.

Being Interviewed by a Guinea Pig... all Part of being a Candidate!

If you'd like to read my interview with Giggle, the editor of the Sheringham Guineapendent CLICK HERE. I promise you, you won't regret it!

Why vote Conservative on June 10th? Here's why...

I've just read Michael Howard's speech on Europe. Well, what else can you do to escape Big Brother? It really is worth reading if you're even contemplating voting anything other than Conservative next Thursday. I've uploaded it onto my website so CLICK HERE to see what he had to say.

How illiberal can you get?

I see from today's papers that the LibDems are going to come out in favour of a ban on smoking in public places - even parks. William Ewart Gladstone must be turning in his grave. It makes you wonder what they think the word Liberal means. Personally I hate smoking - they say kissing a smoker's like licking an ashtray. Naturally I couldn't vouch one way or the other, of course... The bigger issue here is the Nanny State. We're constantly being told how to live our lives by people whose own lives are often pretty shambolic. I'd rather trust people to make their own informed decisions. Isn't that what a true Liberal should believe?

On 909 & 693 on Monday Night!

For those who just can't get enough of my dulcet tones, tune in to the Matthew Bannister Show on Monday night on Radio 5 Live from 10pm to 1am and I'll be on for the whole three hours. Radio 5 is at 909 or 693 medium wave, channel 855 on Sky Digital and also on Digital Radio. It's usually quite lively!

Website Updates

I've been catching up on some of life's chores today and having some time with my little dog, who hasn't seen much of me lately. For those who don't know, I have a 7 year old Jack Russell called Gio. CLICK HERE to see a picture of Gio. This evening I've added quite a few bits to the CAMPAIGN WEBSITE. Click on the following to find out more, and see a few pics...

Iain Comperes Wresling Match
Iain Views Traffic Concerns in Fakenham
Iain supports UEA students
Iain Campaigns in Norwich North
Iain Meets Diet Target
Iain Visits Fakenham Laundry

Awful Awful Awful

Why didn't I listen to that little voice that said to me as I woke up this morning at 6am "Stay in bed, you know you don't really want to go to Cardiff"? A mere eight hours later I arrived at the Millennium Stadium, only half an hour before kick off. In one of those spooky coincidences, I was listening to my iPod and the song playing was 'Cutting it Fine' by Asia. Indeed I was. By quarter to five I was in the depths of despondency having watched a terrible West Ham performance. The entire forward line was subbed, which says it all really. Not a pleasant journey home, as you can imagine. Oh well, back to politics tomorrow!

WRESTLING FOR CHARITY

Well I've just come back from one of the more surreal experiences of my life as a candidate. Eight months ago today I was being selected as Conservative Candidate for North Norfolk at Holt Community Centre. This evening I was also at Holt Community Centre....compering a wrestling match. Astonishing. Actually it was quite good fun. I even got a good round of applause when I was introduced. Good job most people were out of their brains! I also presented a cheque for £500 to the East Anglian Air Ambulance as a result of my sponsored diet. I'll post some pics on the website over the weekend.

Earlier in the day I went canvassing in Sheringham and Holt. We picked up quite a few new members in Sheringham, which encouraged the local people no end. For some reason Sheringham has got a reputation as a LibDem stronghold. Well, that wasn't my experience this afternoon. Had lunch at the Hunworth Bell with Michael Brunson, ITN's former political editor. Great to see him again and catch up on some political gossip.

Tomorrow I am getting up at 6am to drive tgo Cardiff to cheer on the Hammers. COME ON YOU IRONS!

A Busy Day Ahead

Last night I attended Gunthorpe Parish Council. I met an old friend from my days at UEA, John Corney. His mother has been Norman Lamb's election agent in the past. Small world.

Today is going to be a hectic one - a visit to Fakenham Laundry, attending a consultation meeting at the Dementia Unit at Rebecca House, a visit to Aldborough School, canvassing in Roughton and then I'm popping down to Norwich North to help them canvass for the City Council elections in the Catton Grove ward. I stood for the Council there in 1985 - 19 years ago! It was a memorable experience as polling day was the day before my finals. Indeed, it proved to be extremely memorable as I was involved in a car accident while taking three ladies to vote. A motorbike tried to overtake me as I turned right and he broke his leg. I ended up directing traffic wearing my blue rosette. It turned out he was a Catton Grove voter, as I went to see his parents later and they were displaying a VOTE LABOUR poster in their kitchen window. Honestly, the lengths candidates go to to prevent people voting! That was a joke, by the way...

Nothing Much Happened Today...

Nothing much happened today is the title of an X Files episode. I really miss that programme! About the only notable event today was a ten minute appearance on Sandi Toksvig's radio programme on LBC. They wanted me to talk about my views on Iraq. I guess to sum up I was in favour of the war and still think toppling Saddam was justifiable. But I am horrified that we were lied to about the real reason for going to war and for a British Prime Minister to send our soldiers into battle without the vaguest idea of what would follow the war is just unbelievable. I'm reading Bob Woodward's book PLAN OF ATTACK and it is clear that Bush and Blair were so convinced they would be received on carpets of rose petals that no contingency plans were ever made. But the fact remains that the Iraqi people are enjoying a freedom which they haven't seen for years. I think the key is what happens when sovereignty transfers back.

LibDem Shame

CLICK HERE to see the most shameful election leaflet ever put out by the LibDems. They haven't gone quite so far in North Norfolk yet, but their Euro leaflet has prompted me to write to the EDP. Here's the text.

Sir,
The LibDem manifesto which dropped through my letterbox the other day
should win a prize for fiction, as well as negative campaigning. The
LibDems pretend to be slightly eurosceptic yet they would sign up to the
Euro and the constitution which would create a United States of Europe.

They have a picture of an empty chair, alleging that Conservative MEPs
have been absent from key votes in the European Parliament. Yet records
show that Conservative MEPs have voted in 85% of divisions and LibDems
81%. Andrew Duff paints himself as a European campaigner yet he missed a key
pesticides vote. Norman Lamb tells us in the manifesto that he has
campaigned for a referendum on the European Constitution. Good for him.
But if you ask him if he is in favour of it he admits he hasn't even
read it. If you're in North Norfolk and ask Mr Lamb if he's in favour of
the Euro he avoids saying yes or no. Yet speaking to last year's LibDem
conference he waxed lyrical about the benefits of the Euro. There's a clear choice on June 10th. Voting Labour or LibDem will mean we're one step closer to the Euro and a United States of Europe. If you want to keep the Pound, protect British sovereignty, withdraw from the Common Fisheries Policy and are against the European Constitution vote
Conservative. It's as simple as that.

Bleating Won't Help

I see from yesterday's EDP that North Norfolk LibDems have complained about the amount of coverage the EDP gives me. Quite astonishing, and a sign that my campaign must be seriously worrying them. I do find it amusing that they can complain about the coverage I get when the EDP has a policy of giving Norman Lamb equal coverage with the 4 Norfolk Conservative MPs put together. If anyone has cause to complain, it certainly isn't the LibDems.

Lazy Days & Sundays

For once had a lie in this morning before getting my usual stash of the Sunday papers from Coltishall. This afternoon went into the office for an hour before girding my loins to mow the lawn. Well, when I say lawn I should say 'bumpy patch of grass'. As you can see, my technical wizardry has managed to restore the COMMENT facilities but in restoring the coding I seem to have wiped out the ARCHIVED posts. Hey ho. Interesting YouGov poll in the Sunday Times. It puts us 11% ahead of Labour for the Euro elections.

UEA Closure of Language School 'A Disgrace'

To read what I said to UEA students yesterday CLICK HERE. Today I've been at Fakenham Farmers' Market, looking at the site of the new Tesco, speaking at Mundesley Conservatives AGM and then spending three hours doorstepping in Mundesley. Again, a very encouraging response. Just off to dinner in Little Walsingham - one of my favourite places in the constituency.

Teach me to Fiddle...

I have had a few emails from people saying they couldn't read the Blog because of the deep blue background. I have therefore spent about an hour putting together another template. However, in the process the COMMENT facility seems to have disappeared. Got to go to the Farmers' Market in Fakenham now so I shall continue fiddling tommorrow when hopefully, normal service will be resumed. In the meantime use the email address iain@iaindale.com

On the Picket Line

Tomorrow I shall be joining Labour MP Ian Gibson and comedian Eddie Izzard in a protest at UEA. Now there's a sentence I never thought I would write. UEA are planning to shut the school of languages, the school from which I received my degree in 1985. Apparently the school is being "subsidised". I ask you. When did that word enter a university lexicon? More tomorrow...

David Cameron Day

A very enjoyable and useful day which was dominated by the visit of David Cameron MP, our local government finance spokesman to North Norfolk. However I started the day off in Norwich doing an interview with Radio 4's Today Programme on political egg throwing. Seemed to go quite well, especially when I told Jim Naughtie "you're showing your age". With David we did an interview with the EDP, half an hour on North Norfolk Radio and then a stint with the marvellous Sheringham Independent. Did a bit of street campaigning in Sheringham before a meeting with Conservative Councillors. This evening David and I spoke at a party fundraiser at the hugely imposing Hanworth Hall. About 100 people were present and there really seems to be a spring in the step of North Norfolk Conservatives at the moment. And about time too! While I write this I am watching a very depressing issue of Question Time which is concentrating on Europe. If this is the level of debate we are going to have God help us. I wonder if everyone else agrees with me about that awful Patricia Hewitt. I imagine every time she appears on TV she turns people off Labour. Good.

Seconds Out Round Three

It's been a great day out on the campaign trail in Corpusty, Saxthorpe and Aylmerton. There really is genuine enthusiasm for the Conservative Party out there now. We had more than a handful of LibDem-Conservative switchers and several from Labour too. I'm hugely encouraged by the reaction at the moment. This evening I went to Kettlestone Parish Council's meeting. A beautiful little village not far from Fakenham. Did an interview with North Norfolk Radio today on my integrity pledge. Tomorrow we've got David Cameron MP coming up for the day. Here's another bit of fun I'm involved with. At least, I hope it will be fun. Not sure why I have this sense of trepidation... Anyway, here's a press release I have just sent out. Read and enjoy...

Iain Dale, the Conservative Candidate in North Norfolk takes on a new career next week (on Friday 28 May at 7.45pm) when he will be co-compering a wrestling tournament, THE NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS put on by the Sheringham-based UK Pitbulls at Holt Community Centre in aid of the East Anglian Air Ambulance. Details can be found at www.ukpitbulls.co.uk and tickets can be obtained from Roys Snack Bar or Videoscene in Sheringham or by phoning 07979342659. Iain will be compering a celebrity tag match. He will also be presenting a Giant sized cheque to the East Anglian Air Ambulance for £500, from the proceeds of his sponsored diet. In less than two months he has lost two stones in weight. Iain has promised that he will not be in 'wrestling uniform'. "I don't think I'd look very good in spandex," he grimaces. Iain says: "I am delighted to support the East Anglian Air Ambulance and if I can help them raise money by compering part of this wrestling tournament I'm only too delighted to so. It will certainly make a change from my career as a political commentator. I would also like to wish the UK Pitbulls well when they open their new gym in Cromer. I grew up in the 1970s and remember watching wrestling on the World of Sport with Dickie Davies on a Saturday afternoon. My grandmother was a great fan of Giant Haystacks and Kendo Nagasaki. I imagine the sport has changed a bit since then!"

Two Nil to the Cockney Boys

I'm forever blowing bubbles, pretty bubbles in the air... What a night! Tunstead Parish Council were very lenient with me and didn't mind my whoops of delight when I received text messages with the score. In fact, I think they were just as pleased as I was as they all hate Ipswich anyway. Now I have another dilemma. The play-off final is on Saturday week when I am supposed to be campaigning. Should I stay or should I go? I feel a song coming on...

Come on you Hammers

Tonight I am making the ultimate sacrifice and foregoing the pleasures of watching West Ham thrash Ipswich Town in the playoffs. Instead I shall be meeting the good burghers of Tunstead at their Parish Council meeting. However, I have warned the Clerk that if I look slightly distracted at any point it might be because I have received a text message with a score update. I hope they will be understanding!

Making the BBC Website

My Integrity Pledge has made the BBC News Website!

A Bit under Par

Lord Strathclyde visited us today. We took him to East Coast Plastics in North Walsham, which is one of the area's biggest employers. I then drove over to Sheringham to play in a golf tournament between Mid Norfolk Conservatives and North Norfolk. Having not played for about 8 months I was a bit rusty to say the least. I played with Cllr George Barran against George Eve, the chairman of Mid Norfolk and one of his members. We were 4 down after 5 holes, but recovered to draw level, only to lose by 2 & 1. Tomorrow I'm visiting a school in Mundesley and then going to a campaign meeting in Dereham. Probably do a bit on the doorstep later in the day.

New Labour New Candidate

The North Norfolk Labour Party have picked their candidate for the next election. He's Phil Harris, a former Labour Norwich City Councillor. I understand he beat a local candidate from Trimingham to win the nomination. It's going to be interesting to see what kind of campaign he runs as last time Labour hardly bothered fighting at all. Mr Harris was quoted in the EDP as describing North Norfolk as "a three way marginal". At least he's a optimist!

Personal Integrity Pledge

Here's a press release I have just issued before setting off to Wells for a campaign day. I'd love to hear comments on this. By the way, my fingers are being crossed for a West Ham win in the playoffs this afternoon!

In a speech this evening (Saturday) to more than 120 Blakeney Conservatives Iain Dale, Conservative Candidate for North Norfolk will make a Pledge of Integrity to the people of North Norfolk. He will become the first party politician ever to make such a pledge

In his speech he will say:

"People have lost trust in politicians. There are two comments I hear time and time again, which are not directed at me personally but to politicians in general. They are "We don't believe a word any of you say" or "why should we vote, you're all the same". Politicians from all parties have got to address this growing cynicism otherwise we will end up like a banana republic. This week we have had the unedifying sight of a Conservative MP being sacked over expenses claims and a Labour Party Political Broadcast for the European elections which did not mention the subject of Eurppe but instead devoted itself to the bitterest personal attack on a party leader seen for years. So much for fighting the European elections on a positive agenda.

"I have given a great deal of thought in recent months to how I can personally address this cynicism about politicians and show to people that in me they will elect someone who is different - who has a high personal moral compass, a person of obvious integrity and complete openness. I have therefore started drawing up a Pledge of Integrity which I will make to the people of North Norfolk. I will publish it in full in a future issue of my newspaper, North Norfolk Matters, and people can draw their own conclusions about what sort of person they are voting for. I will pledge:-

* never to solicit or accept a company directorship while serving as an MP
* to publish in detail any expense I reclaim while in the pursuit of my parliamentary duties
* to tell people my real views even when I know they will disagree with me
* never knowingly to claim credit for something when the credit is not mine
* never to employ any member of my family in my parliamentary office
* to live in the constituency (as I do now) and make my main home among the community I serve
* never to promise what I know I cannot deliver
* never to waste taxpayers' money by tabling pointless Early Day Motions or asking Parliamentary Questions for the sake of it (Note: each written PQ costs the taxpayer £250 and EDM's at least £500)
* never to use taxpayers' money via the Parliamentary Office Cost Allowance to promote party political activity

Iain continues: "I make these pledges so people can see that I intend to be honest and transparent. As public figures our conduct not only has to be impeccable, it has to be seen to be impeccable. By making this pledge to the people of North Norfolk I am doing something that no politician has ever done before, so far as I am aware, and I realise I am setting myself up to be judged. I will not let people down."

INTEGRITY, TRUTH & HONESTY

I was taken to task a couple of days ago (see below) for my suggestion that LibDem MEP Andrew Duff's expenses might come under close scrutiny. I was pleased to see the EDP confirm my suspicions his morning. And he didn't even have the good grace to admit being caught out. Integrity is the most important thing a politician has. I am going to make a speech tomorrow night in Blakeney highlighting the importance of integrity, truth and honesty in politics. I shall be making a commitment that if I am elected I shall not solicit or accept outside directorships and I shall publish all expenses and expenditure I make through my parliamentary activities.

PUT A TENNER ON IT

I have a very strong feeling that Tony Blair might go in the next few weeks, not because of the Iraq war or any political issue. I heard something today which really took the wind out of my sails. If I were a betting man I'd certainly have a flutter on a new PM by the end of July. Last time I was tempted I put £20 at 80-1 on a Tory majority of 21 in the 1992 election. As I had never been in a betting shop and wouldn't have a clue what to do I asked a friend to put the bet on for me. There I was on April 10th slobbering at the thought of £1600 when my friend (who's also my solicitor, based in Wroxham!) told me he had forgotten to put the bet on. And what's more I believed him. Far too trusting for my own good sometimes.

TA TA PIERS

It seems our suspicions were correct all along and that the pictures in the Daily Mirror were fake. If Piers Morgan doesn't resign there will be little justice in this world. He would be the first to call for a politician to resign in a similar situation. However, the point Alex Salmond made on Question Time this evening (which I managed to listen to in my car - now there's one to ponder on), about the irony of the fact that the only people to resign over the war so far would be the chairman and director general of the BBC and the editor of the Daily Mirror, was very aposite. I sometimes wonder how Geoff Hoon can look himself in the mirror every morning.

DIGGY LOO DIGGY LAY LIFE IS GOING MY WAY...

Thursday is going to be very bitty. Haircut, two new tyres on the car, meetings in London, hosting an evening with Ann Widdecombe in Chesham and then back to Swanton Abbott. Friday I am seeing some very go-ahead graphic designers in North Walsham who have come up with some very innovative campaigning ideas. I'm then going to two primary schools before a major campaign planning evening. Saturday it's an advice surgery in Wells and canvassing in Walsingham. Maybe I'll pop into the shrine to repent some sins... Not that I have any of course! (he added just a little too hastily...). And Saturday evening? Eurovision Song Contest! Hurrah! I actually went to Eurovision twice. My big claim to fame is that I was the first person to get Dana International's autograph after she (he?) won in Birmingham in 1998. Strange thing was I didn't even ask for it. She just grabbed my programme. Highlight of the evening was the BBC bash where I met Wogan. Must stop this namedropping... Did I ever tell you about my talk with the Queen in Buckingham Palace? No? I'm sure I'll get round to it eventually...

NOW LET'S GET ON WITH THE ELECTION CAMPAIGN...

It hasn't been a good few days for Eastern region Conservatives with the Bashir Khanbhai affair hanging over us. But the decision has been made now and we must buckle down to fighting a proper election campaign and make sure that we return at least 4 Conservatives on June 10th. I hadn't met Bashir until a few weeks ago but I spoke to him on Monday evening. No doubt our political enemies will think they have got a scalp, but let us not forget that there is a human element to this. And let us also not forget that Bashir was singled out because of his apparently non-existent address in Wroxham. I hope our friends in the media will now have a close look at the expenses of people like the Federalist LibDem Euro MEP Andrew Duff, who was only too happy to defend MEPs, presumably himself included, who claimed attendance allowances when they were on their way to the airport. I don't say this to diminish the Khanbhai issue because I think this had got to the point where even if he had come out and publically defended himself, few in the outside world would have been convinced, as they had already made up their minds that he was guilty. I'm sure that we, as a Party, have learned a lot of lessons from the handling of this, especially on the PR front. It must never be allowed to happen again. End of story. Time to move on and fight the Euro Federalists.

LIBDEMS LAUNCH LOCAL ELECTION CAMPAIGN

The LibDems appear to have conveniently forgotten their pledge to knock £100 off council tax. Indeed, when the Chancellor recently proposed the same thing they described it as 'tinkering'. Must have learnt that from Claudio Ranieri. The LibDems are basing their whole local government campaign on a pledge to axe council tax and introduce local income tax. Methinks this might not be the vote winner they imagine. I wonder what the young couple in North Walsham will make of it, who earn £35,000 a year between them and will face a tax rise of more than £650. Not please I should think. They'll be even less pleased when I tell them about LibDem plans to put VAT on new houses. The solution to the council tax problem is to restore central government funding to its proper levels and actually look at some of the functions local councils are carrying out. There is nothing wrong with the principle of a property based tax. It's only in the last few years that people have found it unacceptable and that's because of the levels it has reached. If Labour hadn't cyphoned off money from Norfolk and given it to their Labour cronies in the North things wouldn't have reached this stage. I've got our local government finance spokesman, David Cameron, coming up on May 20th.

A REMINDER FROM IRAQ

It's nearly 2am and I have just got back from doing a newspaper review at the BBC on News 24. 150 mile round trip for the glory of appearing on a digital channel for 5 minutes. I had to speak about the American who was beheaded by thugs in Iraq. Truly horrifying, but it serves to remind us of what we are there for. I imagine this was a regular occurence under Saddam's regime. It's probably not a politically correct thing to say (but since when has that worried me?) but those who carried out this act and brandished the head to the camera are little more than sub-human. These are people who cannot be reasoned with, cannot be negotiated with. There is only one language that they understand and we shouldn't be afraid to speak it. While we worry about the odd incident of apparent brutality these people are running amok. I have increasing doubts about the veracity of the Daily Mirror pictures which apparently show British soldiers mistreating Iraqi prisoners. If they do turn out to be faked I look forward to the resignation of Mr Piers Morgan.

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR LISTENING CANDIDATE

I have finally mastered the technology and worked out how to add a COMMENT facility onto each of my BLOG posts, so if you have something to tell me, or have a comment on my ramblings, please feel free to add it. Please keep it reasonably polite! I'm not big on censorship and I will only delete a posting if it contains insulting language. I will never delete a comment which contains views different to my own. We're the inclusive party, see?!

IS TONY RATTLED?

Did you see the Labour Party PPB tonight? Talk about a sign of Labour being rattled! I have never seen anything like it. To spend a whole PPB decrying Michael Howard was quite astonishing. And it unfortunately will make people even more cycnical about politics. I hope we manage to fight a slightly more positive campaign than that. And what do you think of the new design to this Blog then?

THE RIGHT TO DEFEND YOURSELF

If you have the Sunday Telegraph today make sure you read Page 20. It tells the story of Brad Osborn who was sent to prison for 5 years after being attacked by a drug crazed man who gained entry to his house and was threatening his pregnant girlfriend before attacking him. Brad stabbed him in self defence. The law is an ass, and this story makes me even more determined to make this one of my priorities in Parliament if I am elected. And that's a promise.

A DAY IN NORTH WALSHAM

Spent the whole day out on the stump in North Walsham, firstly talking to shoppers at Sainsbury's and then in the market place. In the afternoon we went canvassing on the outskirts of the town. Had an amazingly good reception and signed up a few new party members. I'm amazed at the number of people who recognise me or tell me I have written to them. I was pictured today in the EDP with Margaret Thatcher alongside an amusing article, which several people mentioned. The main topic of conversation on the doorstep was the European election campaign. I have yet to meet a single voter who believes we should either sign up to the European constitution or join the euro. Sensible people in North Norfolk. Met a LibDem councillor and had a very friendly chat. I always take the view that just because someone is a political opponent that doesn't mean they should be looked upon as an enemy. In the end we all want the same thing, we just differ on the best way to go about achieving it. And on that positive note, it's thank you and goodnight!

EURO ELECTIONS - WHY BOTHER VOTING?

I'm getting very concerned about the likely turnout at the European elections on June 10th. The number of people you talk to who have absolutely no idea that an election is about to take place is frightening. With the furore over the European constitution and the implications of joining the euro you might have thought there would be more interest. Not a bit of it. Once you engage people in conversation everyone has a view on these issues, but the European Parliament is such a remote institution that people just don't care. I make the point that if we adopt the constitution we are on the slippery slope to losing our independence and if we adopt the euro we might just as well sign away all our economic sovereignty. We are the only Party to address these issues rationally. Unfortunately at the moment everyone's attention is being diverted in this region by the press stories about one of our euro MP candidates and his expenses. I'll keep my views to myself for the moment on that one, but this situation cannot be allowed to drag on for much longer as it is preventing any discussion of the real issues in this campaign. There's a new Blog aimed at increasing voter turnout at Coralbark. A worthy mission, but will anyone choose to accept it? Let's hope it's not Mission Impossible. Enough puns for tonight...

WHAT A POLITE PM - NOT

Remember I wrote to Tony Blair inviting him to spend his summer holidays in Noth Norfolk? Well, some flunky has written back (with a photocopied signature, mark you) saying: "The Prime Minister has asked me to thank you for your letter and for the suggestion you make. Mr Blair appreciates you writing to him." I bet he does!

PUDDING NORTON, SAINSBURY'S AND MAGGIE

I've just got back from Pudding Norton Parish Council. What a truly lovely bunch of people. The meeting took place at Fakenham Race Course, which was different! Earlier in the day I went to have a tour of Sainsbury's in North Walsham, where I was shown round by the very enthusiastic Mike Green. They've redeveloped the store in recent weeks and it really is the best Sainsbury's I have ever been in. The difference is that the staff all talk to you in a really friendly way. In London all you get is a grunt. And that's if you're lucky!

On Tuesday I attended the dinner at the Savoy to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Margaret Thatcher's first election victory. She inspired me to get involved in politics and it was great to see her in such good form. She made an impromptu 5 minute speech which was vintage Maggie. The best laugh of the evening was when they showed a video about how awful life was in the 1970s. Up came a caption "Britain was the sick man of Europe" quickly followed by a picture of Ted Heath. Not a dry seat in the house.

Tomorrow I'm visiting a primary school, going to Blakeney to get a briefing on yet another local healthcare closure, then it's a Council Group meeting.

A DAY WITH WIDDERS, EGG & CHIPS

Friday was one of those days when a candidate chases his tail. Ann Widdecombe was due at 2pm but she took the wrong turning off the M25 and ended up coming to Cromer via the A1. When she got here I took her to Paston Sixth Form College in North Walsham. Peter Mayne, the very bouncy Principal explained how 6th From Colleges get about a third less funding per student than High School 6th Forms, which really is iniquitous. We then went to talk to an A Level History Class before driving over to Stody to appear on North Norfolk Radio. I thought we were going on for 5 minutes but ended up being on air for 45 minutes... which was nice (as they say on the Fast Show). But that made us very late for Walsingham Catholic Shrine, where we were shown arund by Father Noel Wynn. Back to Swanton Abbott to change before dinner. Ann rather astonished me by saying how she wouldn't mind a plate of egg and chips prior to leaving for the dinner. I thought she was joking, but she wasn't! Bear in mind this was about 6.45pm and the dinner started at 7.30! I don't think Harvey off Celebrity Fit Club would have approved! Being a true gentleman, I wouldn't have mentioned it but Ann proceeded to tell every person she met about it, so I feel entirely unconstrained! The dinner went very well and we raised a tidy four figure sum for party funds.

On Saturday I was out on the door knocker in Melton Constable and Briston, before attending the wedding of the Mayor of Cromer, Keith Johnson. In the evening I went to the best restaurant in Cromer, Jacque, which is in Garden Street. The fod and service are superb and apparently myb recommendations have brought them a bit of custom, so that's good! Today I've been in Swanton Abbott doing some campaign planning and then I popped over to see Keith Simpson in Reepham.

THE SAINTLY MARTIN

How nice it was to see Martin Bell on the BBC's Politics Show talking about MEP expenses. It's especially touching that he was filmed down the line from London, yet his whole candidacy is based on being committed to Norfolk and Suffolk. So committed is he that he doesn't even live here. Indeed, I am told that since his campaign was launched he has spent less than two days in the area. Obviously not househunting yet...