Health has been a major topic during the day today at the Conservative Party Conference, which is an issue close to my heart with the Royal Sussex County Hospital such an important part of the Kemptown constituency.

I have an online petition I am asking people to sign, to support my campaign for the funding for the necessary redevelopment of the Royal Sussex.

Party Conference is often a place of marked contrasts. Frequently, an MP will meet people who you may see everday in Westminster; other MPs, Ministers and members of staff who you get to know.

Other times you come across people who you have never meet before. This was the case during the discussion on education, where speakers from the educational world, working with young people in tough urban areas in London were achieving great things by widening opportunity and ensuring that the aspirations of all youngsters was raised. The encouragement given was inspiring.

This ties in with my belief, that anyone, from any background, can accomplish much in life if they are given the right start, the right tools and the right encouragement.

A principal from a free school in Bedford spoke as well. This was particularly interesting given the free schools opening in Brighton. He told of the high standards, the parents who, like we all do as parents, want the very best for their children and see the free school development as a way to achieve this. I was very encouraged of what will be achieved in our city.

Conferences can seem to exist in a bubble but the reality of day-to-day life is always present. Community safety and local councils were also topics for discussion today.

The Home Office Minister, Damian Green, spoke of the need to ensure that boys and girls were protected from predators, both online and not, who seek to abuse them and the Communities Secretary, Eric Pickles, mentioned that money was available for keeping Council Taxes frozen – Brighton and Hove Green Council please note!