The Endless Political Month...

If a week is a long time in politics, the last month has seemed almost endless. Following my assertion in my last column that I wanted Charles Kennedy to continue as leader, its best we avoid comment on the leadership contest. Lembit Opik MP backed Charles, backed Mark Oaten and is now publicly not backing anyone in order to avoid an asteroid hitting their campaign - I know how he feels!

The leadership contest has however given a chance to look at our Party, and what sort of organisation we are. I think it gives us an excellent base to work from.

We are a campaigning Party. In the recent Hythe North by-election, Sam Matthews worked really hard to get around 30% of the vote - our best result locally for a few elections. He was backed by a great team who really made a difference - space doesn't allow to name them all, but Tessa, Emily, Tom, Maureen, Darren, Miranda and Troy deserve special mention.

Being "blessed" with by-elections, we are now "blessed" with a Folkestone Town Council byelection on 23rd March caused due to the nonattendance of the elected Tory councillor. There will be plenty of leaflets, letters, surveys and talking to local residents over the coming weeks.

We've got an active, talented and enthusiastic team - if you can join us for even if for an hour or so a week, we'd love to see you - contact the office!

We are a fun Party. We have regular social events - at least monthly, open to all members - we'd love to see you there. The next is our

Valentines Quiz on 11th February in Sandgate, followed by a 17th March "Hooley" with live music, Irish food and a Guinness bar - happily all on my birthday! Come along, enjoy the Craic, and wish me a happy 29th birthday (again...)

We are an open Party. We are run by and for our members. All executive meetings for the next year have now been agreed, are listed on our web site and in this Update, and are open to all members. If you would like to come along, or to ask a question, please contact me.

And it's your Party. Please make sure you vote in the leadership ballot - with a real one member, one vote system, your vote does make a difference, and will determine the leadership of our party as we develop and move forward over the coming years.