Conservatives triumphantly snatched eight seats from the failing Lib Dems ( and one Independent) at the City of York Council – and narrowly missed a ninth . It was a great endorsement for Julian Sturdy, the parliamentary Conservative candidate for the new constituency of York Outer, and tireless supporters of the local association, the result was double what they had been hoping for.

Frustratingly – though it could be construed as something of a mixed blessing – Julian was told by voters on some doorsteps that while they preferred to vote Lib Dem for their local council, they would switch to Conservative in the general election. There is still much hard work to do, no time for resting on laurels.

If you need an excuse to celebrate the astounding Tory results of winning more than 800 council seats, and meet David Cameron and members of the Shadow Cabinet at the same time, then why not join them at the Conservative Women’s Association Blue Ribbon Dinner at The Savoy on Tuesday, 15 May. Tickets cost £95 and are still available, the dress code is glamorous.