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Tamzin Lightwater’s conference diary

Tamzin Lightwater

Wednesday, 26th September 2007

Sunday: All eyes on the opening ceremony for what I’m sure will be a truly memorable performance by world-renowned professional speechmaker William Hague.

Mr Mitchell makes inspiring presentation on our trip to Rwanda. Certain curmudgeons were arguing we shouldn’t remind people that Dave went to Africa during the floods. Thankfully sounder heads prevailed.

Ken Clarke on how we make politics more engaging. Can’t tell you much about this. We’ve been nagging him for weeks to tell us what he’s planning but he just keeps telling us to get our mopeds off his f—–ing lawn!

Fringe: ‘Gangsta’s Paradise’, debate with special guests from Defending Da Hood. Innit!

Any Questions? with Oliver Letwin and David Willetts. Expect long queue afterwards for the Tranquillity Room (next to the ‘Know Your Emotional Weight’ stand in the main exhibition centre).

Parties: Gala dinner with cabaret by Spandau Ballet’s Tony Hadley. Gold!

Wednesday

The Big Speech. Can’t say too much. Dave made it clear at the planning meeting that if he reads ‘a single line of this in that blasted Spectator diary’ he would start sacking people. I don’t want to make trouble. I just want everyone to have a lovely time and enjoy all the super debates.

Most important thing is yours truly doesn’t get squiffy and repeat last year’s little hiccup when she woke up next to a man claiming to be the bodyguard of the senator from the oven chips empire. This year, am not going to drink a drop.

Tamzin’s Travels Tips: Try to arrive by train. Be assured Dave would if he could. He will be with you in Virgin second class in spirit. (Am just praying photographers don’t snap him on Mr Spencer’s airfield!)

Tamzin’s Fashion Tips: Tie guidelines still not finalised so best wear open neck and carry two colour options in pocket (green and purple preferred). Ladies, no Thatcher-inspired Ferragamo if you don’t mind. Check out Sam’s recent fashion shoot in Harpers for full list of approved designers and stockists. Thank you for your co-operation and see you in Blackpool!

Tamzin will be blogging throughout the conference on Coffee House. Don’t miss her real-time, modern and compassionate reports on Dave’s last pit-stop before No. 10 — www.spectator.co.uk/coffeehouse.

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