A Day of Varieties
- 21 Nov 2005
Just finished going through my surveys - must have looked at about 2,000 today. Especially liked the person who answered Communism to the question What single thing would you suggest to improve the quality of life in your area?. Turned out to be a UKIP voter. Hmmm. But the win...
And So to Bed
- 28 May 2005
Started the day in North Walsham as it is market day. Moved from there to Mundesley, where we found a lot of new support. Had quite a large team out with me today and we had a break for lunch at them Hunworth Bell before moving on to Fakenham and then Sheringham. Tonight was t...
Blogging Pause
- 25 May 2005
As some of you will have gathered by now, I have a new job. On Tuesday I start work as Chief of Staff to David Davis. I have therefore regretfully decided that I have to close down this Blog. I am sure you will all understand the reasons. It's my decision and my decision alone...
New Statesman: Did I Lose North Norfolk Because I am Gay?
- 23 May 2005
Politics - Iain Dale has no problem being an openly gay Tory Far from being the preserve of Colonel Blimps, it was the Tory party that stood the most gay and black candidates The past two weeks have been like attending my own funeral. I've had 400 e-mails and letters of ...
Saying Goodbye to my North Norfolk Campaign Workers
- 21 May 2005
This lunchtime I held a thank you lunch for 60 of my campaign team who did so much for my election campaign. It was held in Roughton at the home of two people who have become very close friends, Bert & Sylvia. The weather held off and I think everyone enjoyed it. I said a ...
Ready for the Weekend, Sir?
- 21 May 2005
Just arrived in Swanton Abbott for the weekend after a tortuous journey. Because of the ridiculous roadworks on the A11 I drove up the A12 and A140. The DD bandwagon gathers pace as Julie Kirkbride and Ian Taylor both declared themselves today. Julie had supported Portillo ...
Starring on the News Quiz
- 14 May 2005
It seems one of my election anecdotes graced the airwaves of Radio 4's Newsquiz yesterday. They rehashed the Atticus story which read... "A surprise on the campaign trail for gay Tory candidate Iain Dale. Knocking on doors in the North Norfolk seat, he met an elderly lady w...
Touched
- 7 May 2005
Over the last twenty four hours I have received more than 250 emails, as well as dozens of phone calls from friends, colleagues and many people I have never met expressing their sympathy. I have to say it's a bit like being present at your own funeral, but they have certainly ...
Shame on You, Simon Heffer
- 7 May 2005
Simon Heffer has written a poisonous piece in the Daily Mail today about the fact that Nick Boles and I lost both our seats - he blames it on the fact that we are gay and that people outside London don't like that sort of thing. Strange how he doesn't mention the fact that Nic...
Morning After the Night Before
- 6 May 2005
This is obviously something I hoped I wouldn't have to post. Last night's result was devastating for me personally and for the local Conservative Party. I have put body and soul into my campaign over the last eighteen months so to lose by such a margin was a bitter pill to hav...
Rejoice
- 4 May 2005
I just heard Channel 4 News has tipped us to gain the seat. Also, I just had a fax from Margaret Thatcher wishing me well for tomorrow. Brought a tear to the eye. I had a nice letter from John Major the other day too. Michael Howard came to Norwich this afternoon. He had to...
Poetic Justice
- 3 May 2005
Here's a poem a supporter has sent me... Iain stands to WIN the day To bring North Norfolk to a better way Fighting the Yellow, Red and Green One obvious choice, it can be seen Briging our area, back in the Blue Making it better for Me and You More Police to knock d...
Funny Canvassing Story
- 3 May 2005
Live from North Walsham: Me: Would you like one of my leaflets, sir? Voter: I'd rather drink my own urine. Me: Strange habits, these LibDems... Environmentally friendly I suppose....
Clowning About With Norman Lamb
- 1 May 2005
Went over to visit Justo the Clown's circus this lunchtime to do a little bit with the press about encouraging people to vote. Justo has issued a challenge to other constituencies - to beat North Norfolk's voter turnout! I believe turnout here will be 73-75%, which may wel...
A Saturday Foot Spa
- 30 Apr 2005
A very exciting day. We had the biggest team of canvassers and leafleters ever seen in North Norfolk today. I started the day at the first North Walsham farmers market - great to see a new initiative with such quality produce. I spent the rest of the morning with a huge team o...
A Busy Friday
- 29 Apr 2005
An early start in Fakenham to take part in yet another candidates debate at Fakenham Sixth Form College - 220 present, although surprisingly quiet. Very good natured and some excellent questions. I thought I had blown it when I said I was totally against the EMA grant of £10-£...
The North Norfolk Candidates Debate
- 27 Apr 2005
Yesterday was the first debate between the four candidates for North Norfolk in Wells. Tonight was the second, in Fakenham. The third is in Sheringham on Thursday (8pm at the Community Centre). Last night it was all a little too cosy and gentlemanly. Lots of "Well I agree ...
For Saint George & England
- 23 Apr 2005
Probably the most hectic day of the campaign so far, and in many ways perhaps the most enjoyable. The day started in Fakenham where I attended the Framers' market and the Church St George's Day Fayre. We moved on to Sheringham and leafleted the High Street in competition with ...
From One Side to the Other
- 22 Apr 2005
We certainly clocked up the miles today... Spent the early part of the morning in Fakenham market before a tour of the villages around Fakenham. I then had to drive to Yarmouth to meet Tim Yeo, our Shadow Environment Spokesman for a discussion on coastal erosion. Mark Fox, our...
Gladdening the Heart
- 20 Apr 2005
Michael Howard's Council Tax announcement on cancelling Labour's revaluation has gone down very well if today's canvassing is anything to go by. We were in Sheringham tonight and I have never seen as many switchers in one canvassing session. One chap I spoke to said he had vot...