The Rock Blog

After the last two hustings, it was hard to know what to expect: a respectful, attentive audience or a vocal, partisan audience. I think it was arguably a combination of both!

All the NME candidates were none affiliated and independent. Owen was his usual calm, collected self; Matt was honest, bright and earnest; Steve was passionate, heartfelt and British(!); Anastasia was brave, open and natural.

I think that Patrick Sullivan deserves a paragraph all to himself. I am sure many hundreds of Conservatives know Patrick. He has friends across the spectrum of the Party and CF and no doubt beyond. The speech Patrick gave tonight was possibly the bravest speech I have seen by an individual, young politician in my life. Patrick demonstrated everything I believe about internal politics: we should focus on the positives and not the negatives, we should aim higher,we should be better.

I have had tremendously positive feedback about my performance. As one person put it ‘a striking return to form’! I am happy that I can deliver my message and not only be complimented by my supporters but by people with commitments to other camps.

The evening had a positive, progressive tone that did all the candidates proud.