Burstow off on the campaign trial with a flying start - The first seven days

11.16.23am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 12th Apr 2005

SUMMARY

The first seven days of the campaign have gone well. The response on the doorsteps has been positive. As Shadow Health Secretary Paul has also been busy on the airwaves on TV and Radio.

THE COMMENT

"The campaign has got off to a flying start. The feedback on the doorsteps has been very positive. Many people have commented on the Evening Standard's survey that said I was the hardest working of London's 74 MPs.

"I am enjoying the campaign. Both the doorstep encounters with constituents and the grilling in the TV and radio studios. The comments so far about my appearance on Jonathan Dimbleby were that John Reid and Andrew Lansley seemed more interested in bickering with each other whilst I got on with answering the questions."

THE DETAIL

The first week of the campaign has seen Paul Burstow and his team launch the local campaign with a flying start.

Within the first 48 hours most of the constituency was delivered with a leaflet outlining Paul Burstow's record as the MP for the past eight years and setting out 10 good reasons to vote Lib Dem.

The first few days of the campaign saw Paul in the House of Commons on Parliamentary business. As the Lib Dem Shadow Health Secretary Paul was on the front bench on the day Mr Blair called the election dealing with the final stage of the Mental Capacity Bill where he had pressed the Government to make sure that the law did not allow euthanasia.

With over 40,000 doors to knock on in the constituency Paul and his team of canvassers have been out and about calling in Worcester Park, Belmont, Cheam, Stoneleigh and around Sutton. The reports from canvassers have been positive.

During the election it is business as usual with casework and surgeries. Paul receives hundreds of letters every week from local residents.

Wednesday turned into a day of interviews with health correspondents from the specialist magazines. Thursday Paul takes part in the Kings Fund Breakfast Grill to face questions from an audience of health professionals and patients groups.

With the first weekend approaching attention turns to preparation for a TV debate on health on Jonathan Dimbleby's Sunday programme, with Paul's opposite numbers Labour's John Reid and Conservative, Andrew Lansley. Later on Sunday interviews on Channel 4 News about funding of long term care and BBC Radio 4s The Westminster Hour on Lib Dem Health policy.

Monday, second leaflet of the campaign starts hitting the doormats. After a friendly reception from commuters at Cheam station in the morning a live interview on BBC Radio 5. While in the office signing letters to constituents Paul receives a pager message to say that Sarah Kennedy has gone into hospital and everything in fine. Out on the doorsteps in central Sutton which goes well.

Tuesday, the Lib Dem news is all about the safe arrival of Charles and Sarah's son. As a result the launch of the manifesto is postponed for a couple of days.

ENDS