There’s a lot wrong with the image of politicians I know.  But I can’t think of any other job which Esther would think she could sign up to without prior work experience, knowledge or skills.  Doctor?  Teacher? Plumber?  The current crop of MPs must look to be making such a fist of the job that Esther, I suppose, feels she can’t do any worse.  She’s very wealthy and has a high media profile so she might actually do quite well.  But this saddens me enormously.

Are we at the dawning of a political age where money, profile and celebrity are the key criteria to gaining a seat in parliament?  Certainly money already counts – roughly 17 of the Tory front bench are millionaires.  So does hard work, local knowledge, sincerity and experience of the ordinary world of work get relegated to second place?  I really do hope not.  If you live in Luton South, please don’t vote Esther.

We had a good turn out and everyone was fascinated by how the beer was made.  It’s all very hi-tec.  From a business person’s point of view I was really pleased to see such a successful small business in the heart of our community.  They employ 7 staff and turnover has increased by 30% year on year.  I love a good business success story.  The consensus was that the beer was great too!

Tonight I spent quite a long time at the Shipley Youth Cafe – a great facility, just a shame that Bradford Council don’t have the vision to give them the security of funding that they need.