Conservative conference diary: MPs are rowing again

A group of MPs took part in a rowing challenge with the medallist James Cracknell - that's rowing on the water, not a row as you might expect of some MPs in the House of Commons writes Cannock Chase MP Amanda Milling.

The aim of the challenge is serious – getting us to live a healthier lifestyle and getting a bit more exercise.

With England out of the Rugby World Cup it's important to remember that, despite this heartbreak, we should still get involved in sports and exercise.

At the conference I have been very keen to hear about issues relevant to my constituency of Cannock Chase, as well as areas that I am working on in Parliament. These include broadband, the economy, job creation and apprenticeships.

That started with 'The Economy' session.

The Chancellor, George Osborne, who is no stranger to Cannock Chase, reinforced the message that the Conservatives are the real party for working people.

We are delivering lower taxes, higher wages and more apprenticeships. Plans were also announced to unlock billions in infrastructure investment.

We also had his announcement that a Labour big hitter, Lord Adonis, had resigned the Labour whip to become and independent and lead an infrastructure body for the Government.

I also had the particular privilege to accompany the Prime Minister on his way to the Chancellor's speech.

This gave me the opportunity to talk to him about some local issues, and of course, praise Cannock Chase as a place with a booming economy, great businesses, hardworking residents and has a bright future.

Finally Patrick McLoughlin, the Transport Secretary and well-known former resident of Cannock, talked about some of the Governments big transport plans. It's good news that the Chase Line electrification is well underway and that Cannock Chase is to have a share of a £1.8bn programme of regional road investment. I have already been working hard to ensure that this gets delivered, and on time.