Also in Westminster we had Gordon Brown’s first Comprehensive Spending Review and Pre-Budget Report. The commitment to the NHS and schools was confirmed with increased budgets however one area that pleased and surprised me was the £10 million for social justice with regard to coastal erosion and flooding. Reading between the lines this is a clear sign that my argument for compensation in certain cases of loss of homes or businesses is now a reality. Having asked questions in the House and held a debate asking for consideration of this, I am pleased that whilst it is a small sum, it is a step in the right direction.   

This month also saw the resignation of leader of the Liberal Democrats Sir Menzies Campbell. I have said all along that he wouldn’t contest the general election but I didn’t expect it to happen as it did. However, this has thrown up a pet hate of mine – why is it that when a politician stands down or dies in office the tribute from the opposition parties is always about what a wonderful person he or she is or was. If we have something nice to say about someone, let’s say it when they are alive or in office!

With one by-election over, it came as a surprise to me when I heard that we could have another as a Tory Councillor has resigned because he was opposed to unitary authorities. The creation of a unitary authority is not even at consultation stage yet, let alone implementation. So it beggars belief that a recently elected Councillor would resign over something that hasn’t even been decided yet – why not wait for the formation of a unitary which would in itself require an election? That again is of course if it gets to that stage! Nevertheless, congratulations to Labour candidate Brenda Taylor who has now joined her husband Mike on the Council.

Three events I attended last weekend deserve a mention. Firstly, as part of Charities Week I went along to the Barnados Charity shop in Magdalen Way, Gorleston, to speak to some of the volunteers who help out in the shop. The services they provide in recycling unwanted clothing and bric a brac and then selling them on at a bargain price for a very worthwhile charity are valued, and they and the many thousands of volunteers like them across the country deserve our support and gratitude, as do the many other volunteers in the voluntary sector.

Then it was on to the final event of Black History Month at Atlantis on the seafront. Apart from bringing back memories of going up the tower as a young man on a night out, it was a pleasure to see the performances by the artists and to be a part of the bicentenary celebrations of the abolition of slavery and also to celebrate the huge contribution black people have and continue to make to our communities. Congratulations to all involved in the event.