I have just returned from Spring Forum up in Gateshead where I was able to raise a number of Brigg and Goole issues with our Shadow Ministers. David Cameron made a really good speech and the 16% lead in the polls today seem to suggest people are sick of the present bunch. However, I don't really pay much attention to polls as they can soon change.

Much of the talk at the forum was about Labour's tax rising budget. An average family in North Lincs and East Yorks is going to be hundreds of pounds per year worse off as a result of the budget and Labour's inflation busting Council Tax rise in North Lincolnshire - 11.7% over three years!

I went up to Gateshead with some of our Conservative Future members (pictured with me in Brigg). The CF group have provided a massive boost to my campaigning locally and I am surprised just how many young people have offered to help my campaign. It's probably because this Government has introduced tuition fees and made it almost impossible for young people to buy their own home.

Our efforts locally are certainly paying off. I have a great chat with a guy ion the Isle of Axholme the other day who told me he had never voted in any election but was going to support me next time because of the work we are doing locally. Comments like that make it all worthwhile.

Most amusing of all is that one of my pupils at school last week actually brought in one of my leaflets! For weeks now kids have been saying they keep getting my leaflets, I just didn't think they would bother to bring them in!