Brighton and Hove's first Lib Dem mayor created a piece of political history today when he welcomed his own party conference to the city.
Although David Watkins has only been on the council for three years, he is a veteran Liberal Democrat, having been active for many years in Hertfordshire.
The mayor gave a commercial for more than 600 restaurants in the city all ready and eager to take party members.
He made a special plea for delegates to go a bit farther this year and patronise some of the restaurants in Hove.
Coun Watkins, who was warmly welcomed by party leader Charles Kennedy, singled out former councillor Bob Bailey for keeping Lib Dems going in Brighton, as well as current council group leader Paul Elgood.
At the start of the conference, delegates voted overwhelmingly in favour of two motions calling for urgent ministerial action to stem the tide of post office closures.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article