Saturday in Coalville, Snibston and Hugglescote.

Saturday was our first big campaign day when we leafleted and canvassed some large areas of these three Wards. Our local volunteers and supporters were augmented by some help from outside our constituency and so we were able to make good progress despite the inclement weather. The areas of these Wards we did not get to today will be completed later next week. The biggest issue on the doorstep was the untimely death of out sitting MP David Taylor. The affection held by the electorate for him remains huge.

I was telephoned by the BBC, who asked my views on whether we should have a by election in North West Leicestershire? I told the BBC that what we wanted was a General Election, but if Brown won't give us that at the moment I will go for the by election in our constituency. I was asked if we were prepared for a by election? I responded that we have been ready for along time and that over the past three and a quarter years there had been several times went Brown had nearly called an election and then decided against it, so we were in a state of constant readiness.

Finally I was asked if the people of North West Leicestershire wanted a by election? I believe that the people of our constituency want a General Election and have wanted this for many months and that without any disrespect intended, there may well be constituencies that would not miss their elected Parliamentary representative for six months, but due to the hard work and high local profile of our last MP North West Leicestershire is not in that category.