While I am still getting used to the fact I didn't quite have enough support to enter Parliament last month, last night offered a bit of a consolation prize in the form of drinks in the gardens of Number 10.  Both the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister were there and I chatted with the new Home Secretary about the moment she was asked to join the Cabinet (she was told her security people were now waiting outside for her!).  It was a genuinely lovely occasion and all the more so for the mix of people of all parties and none.  It was good to catch up with old friends, congratulate some who were successful on 6th May and especially those now in government - but also to meet many interesting people for the first time.  And in case you were wondering, the catering was very modest and I stuck to elderflower the whole time!