The last few weeks have been as busy as any since I became an MP.  You can see all that I've been up to in my role as Minister in Communities and Local Government by clicking here.

Other things I have been up to recently include a fantastic evening at Chestnut Grove School, giving out awards to some of their excellent students; appearing on the politics show discussing increases in central government grants to local authorities;  publicising the White Ribbon to stop violence against women; meeting the Secretary of State for International Development, Douglas Alexander MP, to make representations on behalf of local church groups about overseas development; and meeting a local resident and author about his forthcoming book about the various faiths that live in Tooting. 

I particularly enjoyed sharing the glory with Father Christmas opening the Christmas Fair at Tooting Leisure Centre for the Tooting Gymanstics club. 

I also thoroughly enjoyed attending the Brownies talent show at the Upper Tooting Methodist Church Hall as well as attending the turning on of the Christmas Tree lights outside St Nicholas Church with Wandsworth Mayor, Councillor Farebrother, the three Graveney Councillors, local business people, Reverend C J Davis, and most importantly the wonderful children from Franciscan Primary School.  The Town Centre Manager, Audrey Helps, and I both spotted that it was the first time in three years that it hadn't rained on us during the ceremony and carol singing.