Off to the Lib Dem Party Conference. Bournemouth here we come! It is pouring with rain as the train draws into town. The cabbie is very cheery about us and a special fan of ‘Charlie’ – they always are.

Unpack and grab a sandwich in the bar before rushing to some training – I’m chairing one of the conference sessions later in the week. To do so – you have to have been previously fully trained and at every conference that you attend you also have to attend an update session. That session will either be practising the advanced preparations or role-playing events that could happen during the debate.

It’s a drag – but chairing can be quite hairy so everyone generally does turn up to do their bit. I will be chairing the Asylum and Immigration debate on the Monday.