News Release

21st October 2005

MATTHEW PARRIS IN LICHFIELD

Matthew Parris, The Times journalist, television broadcaster (he had been on Question Time on BBC1 on the previous night) and political commentator addressed the Annual Dinner of the Lichfield Conservative Association at The George Hotel in Lichfield on Friday 21st October.

He told a sell-out audience (over 120 were packed into the Garrick Room of the George for dinner) of his early time with Margaret Thatcher as a Conservative Central Office researcher, how by rescuing a drowning dog from the Thames he was chosen for a Derbyshire Parliamentary seat, then went on to present Weekend World on LWT television, and afterwards became a sketchwriter for The Times.

Michael Fabricant, in his speech of thanks, revealed how The Times had got it wrong saying he had voted for David Davis in the election for the Leadership of the Conservative Party the previous week. He revealed to the audience that he had voted for David Cameron in both leadership votes in the House of Commons. He then asked for a straw poll: 2 people voted for David Davis. Over 100 present voted for David Cameron. Michael Fabricant said "I hope when the result of the leadership vote is announced in early December there will be a decisive win for one of the candidates to give him the authority he needs. He could well become the next Prime Minister of our country."