Monday 19th July 2010

08:00 I was in the constituency office early to meet John Burke and get a head’s up on his meeting with local magistrates on Friday and the various cases that were raised at my Sheppey surgery.

11:15 I arrived at Westminster after a remarkably jam free journey. Even the Blackwall tunnel was free of traffic and I strode to my office with a smile on my face and a spring in my step. The pile of mail on my desk soon brought me down to earth!

12:00 I had a meeting with Terry Webster and Michael Kissman from Tesco’s to update me on progress in their plans to redevelop Sittingbourne town centre. They are concerned about that their sole development agreement with Swale Borough Council has now lapsed and they suspect that the council will start looking around for other partners. I pointed out that the Tesco development had been kicking around for three or four years without any noticeable progress and suggested they come forward with more tangible plans as soon as possible! We also spoke about the proposed extension of the Sheerness site and I pointed out that closing the public toilets adjacent to their car park was not the best PR exercise if they wanted to win local hearts and minds. On a more positive note I congratulated them on their Community Day and praise Sue Percival for her efforts.

14:30 I went to prayers but skipped Work and Pensions questions because I went back to my office so that I could work on the speech I hope to make during this afternoon’s debate on the Academy Bill.

15:30 It is a convention when wishing to speak that you sit through the opening exchanges, so I was back in my place on time to hear the Secretary of State for Education, Michael Gove, open the debate, followed by Labour Leadership hopeful Ed Balls. Watching these two politicians speak is a bit like watching a rapier swordsman do battle with somebody carrying a claymore. Gove has a light, but sharp touch, whereas Balls is all bluster and boorishness.

19:10 Having sat through the afternoon’s debate I was eventually called to speak at just after seven o’clock. My speech can be found under 'Speeches' on my website. Another convention when speaking is that members must listen to the two contributions that follow before leaving the Chamber so I didn’t get to have anything to eat until well after seven thirty. It was my first meal of the day!

22:45 The House adjourned after a succession of divisions that the Government won easily. I left straight away and once again the traffic was light on the way home so I was in doors just before midnight.