On Thursday the West Suffolk Conservatives Association put on a fantastic annual dinner at the Bedford Lodge. Guest of honour was Tom Tugendhat the Minister of State for security.

Our very own perspective parliamentary candidate, Nick Timothy, has been pals with Tom for ages so when approached Tom was delighted to come and support Nick. They are a fascinating pair.

I am a great believer in getting to know Ministers. It provides a window in to the decision making process and an opportunity to influence. Over the years, I have got to know a great many Ministers. Striking up a new relationship with Tom is encouraging. Tom is ex military, as I am, so we had a little banter.

What is clear is that there is a desire to get back to basic Conservative values, personal responsibility, democracy, the rule of law, free market economics and encouraging business so that we are wealth creators. Wealth creation is essential if we are to help those who are struggling.

By consensus it was a great evening.