I was delighted to welcome yet another senior Conservative figure to the constituency.  This time it was Francis Maude, who spent time talking to residents about a range of issues including local NHS cuts, school standards, immigration and pensions.

Many residents ask about Europe when I knock on their doors, whether it's because they're fed up with seeing British sovereignty eroded or the Labour government's broken promise to hold a referendum on the Lisbon treaty.  Many more are anxious about the uncontrolled immigration from across the EU, which the British government alone failed to tackle.

So I am pleased that Mark Francois MP, the Shadow Minister for Europe, will be in Eltham on Thursday 29th October to speak to residents and answer their questions.  This is the latest in a series of public meetings I am organising to enable the community to meet their elected representatives and exchange views.  I feel that in an age when the standing of politicians is so low, such meetings are vital.  I hope many people will take the opportunity to meet and question Mark, the latest in a string of Shadow Cabinet ministers to visit Eltham.  If you would like an invitation, please email me to give your name and address.