It’s not every day you get the chance to be part of a small group discussing hot topics of the day with a Shadow Minister. Especially when the subject is health, an issue causing great concern up and down 
the country as our hospital’s struggle to survive and staff morale is at an all-time low.
A forum was held yesterday on the NHS and hospital closures by the Conservative Women’s Organisation and among those who attended were members working in the health sector who were able to quiz the urbane Andrew Lansley first hand about the recently announced Tory health plans.
Andrew was great company and answered questions from everyone in detail. I also met up with Woman’s Officer Liz St Claire (see pic), would-be parliamentarian Janice Small and fellow blogger Martine.
It was a shame that more members did not take advantage of this great opportunity, there were only about 30 or so there last night, it was a missed opportunity for many. And it was free.
The CWO is a great way to connect women with the thrust of political life, as well as other like-minded women. Let’s hope they pass the word around for future forums so Andrew and his colleagues will next time be talking to a packed room with standing room only.
Hey Ellee,
I sent you an email of the photo I took of you and Andrew. Came out quite nice – I think you should put it up… ;)!
It’s opportunities like that when the public have a chance to meet up with the politicians themselves.
Martine, thanks for taking the picture, I will save it for another day.I really enjoyed meeting you, not sure what happened to Bel.
Okay. It was great to meet you too. As for Bel, yes it’s a shame we didn’t get to see her, but there’ll be other occasions I suspect!
Andrew Lansley is a rising star- a telegenic campaigner with a strong command of policy. At Conference, Mr Lansley proposed a future where supporting families and marriage were the cornerstones of public policy for children.That’s a fair cry from what NuLabour thinking where the state assumes the role that should belong to parents. Parents need support to empower their children to embrace social responsibility. Lansley is one to watch….
Istanbul Tory, Andrew has been a star for quite a while now. He is very much a family man too and started off by saying that he had to get home for the life-balance stuff, for his wife and young family. He is a superb Shadow Health Secretary, and was out demonstrating against fearsome NHS cuts in Huntingdon yesterday. Let\’s hope he gets the chance to serve in Government and make a real difference to our health service.