Party conferences are for party members not for backbench MPs.
Tonight I had the bliss of speaking to Newport Trinity Methodist Women's Group. There was a fine turnout of women with a sprinkling of men. They kindly let me talk about the joys of being an MP. There is little in the work of an MP more agreeable than talking to intelligent constituents on the strengths and frailties of politics. Tonight's audience were marvellous, raising serious questions about the bewildering world of politics in 2011.
By a strange coincidence I was introduced with the words of the prayer that is said in Parliament in private before every day's business starts. In my new version of my book 'How to be an MP', I conclude with 20 new nostrums ending with a quote from the prayer that speaks of 'setting aside all prejudices.'
If only.
The words quoted and the final words in my new book are:
"May they never lead the nation wrongly through love of power, desire to please, or unworthy ideals but laying aside all private interests and prejudices keep in mind their responsibility to seek to improve the condition of all mankind."
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