The TRG Reformer Drinks and Dinner

The Tory Reform Group held an anniversary dinner last night to celebrate the 30th year of 'Reformer', their magazine, and marking the 10th annniversary since Sir John Major retired as Conservative Leader.

I called in at the Student TRG drinks reception beforehand and was pleased to see representatives from all over the country, including Bath and Warwick. Sir John gave a serious speech, peppered with his customary humour, and gave an over-generous Q&A session afterwards. It is a pleasure to hear students engaged with such a range of political topics from defence to transport to devolution.

I have met Sir john before and he is genuinely a sound chap, whose stock has risen considerably since leaving office. His speeches are warm enough to apear genuine yet he always has the delivery of a true statesman. I think it is a tremendous shame that he doesn't receive the recognition he deserves for basically solving the Irish problems: all the groundwork was in place by 1997 following Sir John's many years of dedication. The same can be said for the sound economic reforms of the early 90's that Labour have so carelessly frittered away.

I then had the pleasure of dining at the Carlton, which was attended by Sir John Major, Lord Hesltine, Lord Hurd and the Rt Hon. Ken Clarke. It was a rare treat to see the backbone of the Major government together in one room, which was apparently the first time publicly in ten years.

The TRG are often given short-shrift by some within the Party but as Sir John commented, it is a great organisation that can introduce people to Conservative politics. As a moderate group, they can promote a range of ideas without censure, which can only be a good thing for the overall Consersative movement.

Baroness Thatcher

The Carlton Club held a Reception to mark the publication of "The Carlton Club 1832 – 2007" by Sir Charles Petrie and Alistair Cooke. Not only was the evening attended by Sir Peter Petrie, son of Sir Charles but the great lady herself, Baroness Thatcher, was also in attendance.

It was the second time I'd met her and I am pleased to say she is still on fine form! It still feels strange meeting the Prime Minister who had such a profound and positive impact on our country, particularly as my entire pre-adolescent life was spent under a Thatcher Government. I couldn't resist thanking her for her legacy, I'm convinced our generation will take classic liberalism even further...