I've been back home in London for the past couple of days, to attend a funeral service for my former teacher and friend Doreen. Doreen taught History and Politics, and was my teacher for GCSE and A Level Politics, as well as being a major influence on my decision to carry on my studies at University. She kept in touch with numerous ex pupils, and many of us attended the service yesterday. It was standing room only in the chapel and there was a lot of laughter, which I think is as much as most of us would wish for if we were able to attend our own funerals.

Under the circumstances, I've been thinking a lot about my own political background. I grew up in a solid Tory constituency - Old Bexley and Sidcup, which Edward Heath held for 50 years. Since 1997 though, it has looked rather less safe for the Tories - the majority is down, and the Council has finally gone over to Labour control (led by another of Doreen's former pupils). My parent's ward remains Tory, but they don't seem to do any work there at all. I'm trying to convince my parents to agitate and complain to their Councillors, but it's an uphill struggle..still, I will be keeping an eye out for this result on May 5th, and for the Labour candidate Gavin Moore..