"Are you an early or late man?" That was the first question I was asked as I got off the train at Bournemouth.  Foolishly I thought he was talking about my diary and replied "both"! Conference is always a mad mix of breakfast seminars and late nights in the hotel bars.  But no, as with the rest of the week it was a question about a possible general election.

By the end of the week it has started to feel inevitable that we will have an early election - if only to end the speculation and provide certainty and stability for the economy and planning public services.  We'll see what Gordon decides but I feel ready.

Otherwise the week was frenetic.  I spoke at 12 fringe meetings and opened conference on the Sunday. (click to read the speech: ) I also ended up doing as many media interviews, being the local marginal seat MP.  I came back home for a long sleep!