Well - Autumn arrived with a bang, right on cue and suddenly the caravan doesn't seem such a good idea! However, I've started so I'll finish and I shall hope the high winds today have dropped by then!!
I've been thinking a lot about the responsibility of offering to stand for election as an MP. Because I work at Westminster I have met and talked to a lot of MPs, of all political persuasions and, with some exceptions, they are hard working and commited people with a vast range of talents. There is great sadness that the cynical behaviour of a few has damaged the entire edifice. I have experience in a number of sectors which, in my view, equip me to be a good representative for South Norfolk people, but I am also driven by a wish to turn the reputation of politicians around - ambitious though that may be. We are a great democracy in the UK - we only have to look at other parts of the world whose people are suffering from dictatorship or civil wars to know that the alternatives to democratic government are unthinkable. I'd like to do my bit to improve MP's image and hope I get the opportunity
Spent the day with international students again yesterday and found myself quite moved by their bravery and optimism. Most of them are under 20 and have travelled alone half way round the world, drawn by our great capital city and civilisation, to study and qualify. They will take that experience back to their own countries but in the mean time - they are having FUN and making friends - great to see and worth the effort of leaving rural Norfolk to work with them!
