Peter Fortune

I’m not sure when I first heard about the virus.

Would you indulge me? I do enjoy writing to you about my adventures but today I’d like to send a letter.

It wasn’t that I didn’t want to do it. Quite the opposite in fact.

Did I mention I’d been to the gym today?

He’s a businessman, a councillor – and now a News Shopper columnist. Welcome to Peter Fortune’s Occasional Column of Ramblings (Disclaimer - All ramblings are ill-thought through, likely to change and have tongue firmly placed in the buccal pouch).

A female Prime Minister in number 10? A Government divided over Europe? Close political friends knifing each other? That’s right, it must be the early ninties.

So, it has begun.  After years of preparation, planning, campaigning and fundraising the starting pistol has finally been fired on the General Election 2015.

Every campaign team has its core officers. During a general election the candidate’s campaign is supported by this team which includes a constituency chairman, a couple of deputy chairman with either a political or membership function and an election agent who, along with the candidate, carries much of the legal responsibility for the campaign.

I am absolutely drenched but it has been worth it. I’ve spent the last few hours ‘canvassing’ and, as ever, thoroughly enjoyed every minute.

Friends, neighbours, south Londoners - lend me your ears.