AS conference recess continues this week and the new Labour Leader sets out his agenda in Brighton I am using the time to pursue casework, visit local schools and work on a fight back plan post PHE Porton decision.

I was able to attend the AGM of our local hospital at Salisbury Arts Centre on Monday evening. Peter Hill and longstanding finance director Malcolm Cassells do a remarkable job leading our hospital through challenging times where demand is always increasing and the drive for more efficiencies is unrelenting.

I applaud their efforts and though the hospital has recorded a modest deficit this year this is not a reflection of the high quality of the leadership of clinical and management teams at Odstock.

Following the Porton decision ten days ago I visited Public Health England’s HQ in London on Thursday as well as conducting a series of meetings with other stakeholders to ensure the ask of Government is wellcalibrated and likely to succeed. I am optimistic about Porton’s future if the right moves are taken swiftly.

On Thursday afternoon I undertook another visit to Bishops Politics Society and on Friday I spoke with local junior doctors about their contracts. On Sunday I shall be driving to Manchester (at my own expense) to attend party conference – spending most of my time supporting the Business Secretary, as his PPS.

This week my remarkable researcher Laura Mason goes to Cambridge. A former Head Girl of South Wilts, Laura has been an outstanding support and the only person I know who has won a place at two Cambridge colleges for two different subjects. Her intellect and hard work will be sorely missed.