Conference Blog

Councillor Phil Bateman said "Well haven't I had a hectic time. Last Thursday and Friday I was working in Scotland- bonny Dundee to be precise, in what was decent weather for a change.

Meeting trade unionist's launching a partnership with Dundee City Council and Tayside Police with local bus company Travel Dundee.

Then home for the Surgery on Friday at Ashmore Park Library where Councillor Dave Jones and I held our usual meeting it was a bit light though, only 1 member of the public turned up...so we shared her complaint!

Then off again on Sunday to Brighton for the Labour Party Conference. Listened to the Prime Minister give a very rousing speech to the West Midlands contingent at conference, on Sunday night. He looked well and much better than the last time I was up close to him....amazing considering the huge pressure that has been on him recently. Huntsmen.. hounds Fathers for Justice and of course Iraq.

There is a belief that Labour can win an historic third term and the P.M punched home that message at our function. Of course the most interesting part of any conference is the fringe meetings and during the time at Conference I attended quite a few. All transport related now that's a shock for you!

On Monday night I had dinner with the Deputy Prime Minister and his wife Pauline in the Grand, I had a real super evening with the new Lord Snape of Wednesbury, and other friends. It was a night of swapping old stories and listening to tales, it was a real brilliant night. Also the other real nice thing about conference is that you meet old friends from right across the Country.

Now I am back on station in Wednesfield and raising local problems like fast car speeds in Linthouse Lane."