A lovely visit with plans to return. I have always been supportive as they do such great work. Their planned new Citadel in  Shakespeare Street is widely welcomed with members working hard to ensure it fulfils their needs.

A great night, lovely company, good food and excellent entertainment. The flag waving as usual brought a tear to the eye and everyone there will fight this recession that is for sure.

There was a new award to be known in the future as the Tony Cafferky Special Contribution Award and one of two recipients was Jane Daly selected for her work on the Southport Visiter. As she prepares to leave the editorship it was a fitting tribute for all she has achieved. A lovely lady who was extremely committed not only to her job but her staff.

Met many friends including labour colleagues who had also attended to give their support.

A few comments. where was John Pugh?             Home late, very late but such a good evening.

Off early with campaign team members to canvass, very pleasing results. When we got home our son and his family paid a surprise visit, how lucky I am.

Surgery at Stanley Street followed by house visits. More offers of help for the general election, it is appreciated. Home by 3pm and attacking more paperwork.

Off to the Chamber of Commerce Prestige Ball and Business Awards, Ken and I are going to show our support for our local businesses and we are looking forward to it, tell you tomorrow!!

Cabinet in Southport followed by group issues. Still feeling a bit queasy so Mary our Group  Secretary made  some toast and would you believe it the fire alarm went off so everyone out and goodbye to my toast.

Off to Bootle for my Safer Stronger Communities Meeting which does a lot of good work. I am Vice Chairman alongside Chief Superintendent Ian Pilling as Chairman, always a good meeting.

Off home and together with Ken attend a fundraising event that evening. Awaiting further information to complete the Conservative budget which we hope to reduce as low as we can.

No grandchildren for tea tonight I miss them.

Planning meeting with officers and residents, I think sometimes it is forgotten that residents are the clients and they are not always treated accordingly.

Afternoon meetings cancelled don't feel good think I have the "Bug". Apologies given for tonight's Area Committee which I don't like to miss. Pity it is getting a bad reputation because of the conduct of some councillors, they know who they are. The loss of Margaret Jepson MBE, an advisor on the Southport Area Committee, because of the poor standard of behaviour on this committee is a great shame she is a caring lady and her decision not to extend her time in this position is a great loss. Politics can be a dirty business but only if you choose to go down that path.

What a nonsense that at a time we want to raise the qualifications and prestige of the teaching profession that Ed Balls (Labour) suggests 16 yr olds should teach classes of 14 yr olds. The countries with the highest performing education systems are those where teachers are valued most highly and are of the best  quality.

Interview with Dune FM at 10am then on to a meeting with Brighter Living Partnership and charity of which I am a Trustee, we have a good group and effective in helping in the community.

On to Town Hall and a sandwich then off to meet retailers who wish to see me. They deserve better than just offering relaxed parking which the council is already looking at!!! Good meeting and the long term viability of Southport is supported by everyone.

Home visits to local residents although many were ill with a tummy bug!!.

Night in to attack ever growing paperwork.