Ed Davey at Party Conference

I have just been listening to Ed Davey give a major platform speech in Birmingham.

He talked about three major new policies that he is implementing as Minister.

First, he made it clear that no more post offices would close. Labour actually closed more POs than Margaret Thatcher, which is shameful for a Labour Government which was supposed to stand up for the disadvantaged.

He then announced that he has plans to make post offices the 'front desk for Government, national and local". This is an excellent plan to breathe life back into Post Offices and once again give them a role at the core of our communities.

And Post Offices Ltd is to become a mutual - that is a company owned by its workers not by its shareholders.

Second, he went on to talk about his scheme to allow parents to divide up parental leave as they see fit. So maternity and paternity leave will be combined into one and the couple will be able to choose who takes what and when.

Finally he spoke about the appointment of a Supermarket Adjudicator, who will stand up for the rights of consumers and farmers againgst the often unfair and price-fixing practices of the big supermarkets.

A great speech, delivered with fervour and conviction.