It has been a busy few days, to say the least. I am sure you have seen the coverage in recent days, as well as the coverage of David Cameron’s speech tonight. I was struck by his optimistic message, even though we all recognise the challenge ahead as we seek to turn things round. George Osborne’s speech where he set the context for public finances was also important. Once again, we had some of the honesty about the state we’re in that I know so many of you have been crying out for. But George made clear that we don’t have to be harsh to be tough on public spending. I was pleased to hear, for example, that things like the winter fuel allowance and the free TV licence for the over 85s will be maintained if we are fortunate enough to form a Government. But you’ve seen the coverage on the news, so let me tell you what I have been up to myself.

Amongst the highlights:

· I’ve met with Sir Howard Bernstein (Manchester’s Chief Executive) to hear about the work he has done with ReBlackpool considering the future of economic regeneration in Blackpool, and the Fylde more widely.

· Met up with the Royal British Legion to discuss their manifesto for change – and welcomed the news that soldiers on deployment will have their operational allowances increased.

· Attended the Every Disabled Child Matters fringe meeting to hear from young people what they themselves want to see from politicians. Inspiring stuff, and makes you realise the extent of the challenges so many face.

· Met with scouts at their “Scouts Speak Up” event to discuss not just their concerns about the new water company charges on scout huts, but also their wider ideas for how politicians need to listen to young people. They made some powerful points to me about how they want young people to not all be lumped together as trouble-makers, but to be treated as young citizens. They argued persuasively to get the vote at 16, and also told me they thought the best thing Blackpool could do for global warming would be to make the trams free when the illuminations are on!

· Met with Network Rail to discuss everything you could imagine – from community safety at Layton Station to the future of open access services from Blackpool to East Lancashire to the reopening of the line to Fleetwood. This is just a selection of what I got up to – but I thought it might interest people to find out what really goes on at a party conference, not just what we see on TV.