Golden Parties

Street parties! I'm 36 but never been to a street party. So you can guess my highlight of the Golden Jubilee celebrations.

I've always been a sucker for those black and white, out-of-focus street party snaps - photographs full of smiles, flags and sandwiches.

My Nanna tells me of the less glamorous bits from post-war parties - the grieving and rationing - but the sense of community still shouts out from the pictures.

So, whatever cynics say, the fact streets across the Royal Borough are marking this historic occasion together, in fun, is just great. And I get to go to several parties - making up for my deprived youth!

The variety of Jubilee celebrations is impressive - whether it's the plethora of projects schools have enthused over or the larger state occasions.

Representing you, I had the privilege of attending the presentation of addresses to Her Majesty in Westminster Hall by both Houses of Parliament on 30th April. The pomp and ceremony were breathtaking. The speeches captured the Queen's amazing reign and her amazing dedication to our country and world.

There are many things I would change in this world. I want to reform Government, for example, to make it more democratic and more representative. So I back Lords reform, devolution, electoral reform and strengthening of the Commons.

Yet as we reform, I want the monarchy to remain strong. Serving us as Queen Elizabeth II has done, quite exceptionally.