The televised debates as part of the Conservative leadership contest are scheduled to happen tonight, and I know people are looking forward to hearing more from the remaining 5 candidates. At this point there are more women than men left in the contest, 2 of the 5 either represent Hampshire constituencies or grew up here, and all are working very hard to convince me of their credentials.
Constituents are not holding back either, and are letting me know which of the candidates they prefer, by email, phone and in person. However the voting rounds this week mean that I have had to cancel appointments in the constituency, and also a scheduled school prizegiving on Thursday. I have the added responsibility of being a proxy voter for a colleague who cannot be here this week after an operation, which makes me very popular with the candidates, having two votes.
Last week the sun shone for the Beggars’ Fair, which saw some great acts on stages around the town. Youth in Romsey put on a brilliant event in the Memorial Park and it was lovely to see so many people out enjoying themselves. This week we have seen the bed race and the carnival is this weekend, as well as the Mela Festival in Southampton’s Hoglands Park. But it is going to be very hot and worth keeping an eye on the vulnerable as there are extreme heat weather warnings. A good reminder to ask the candidates what their views are on climate change and how they intend to keep to Net Zero commitments.
