Big Visit! Michael Howard
April 19th, 2005
The “Big Visit” is on! Michael Howard is coming to Swindon! By bus! He arrived on time! I will now stop using exclamation marks, but the point of it all was to emphasise the fact that he was not late. Punctuality was supposed to be the politeness of kings, but lateness has always been the prerogative of politicians. This tour, however, was different.
The phalanx of national media that follows the party leaders is huge. Many of my supporters found it all rather alarming. Our office was converted into a media centre, bristling with cameras, microphones and sound booms. Both Justin Tomlinson (North Swindon’s Candidate) and I accompanied Mr. and Mrs. Howard on a tour of Arkells’ Brewery. As a real ale drinker, I found it illuminating. I particularly liked the in-house bar. There was no time to stop and sup, however, because after a quick media session in the office, where Michael signed the Labour petition against charging for NHS operations, we went off to the Retail Outlet Village in search of the electorate. We had an excellent reception, and Michael was able to talk about education issues with younger people whilst having a coffee at the Food Hall. Your intrepid blogmaster was on hand to take suitable photographs.
There are some photos from Michael Howard’s visit posted here on the blog.
