The Coalition Government has surprised me many times over.

It’s early days for the Coalition Government. Yet I think there’s already been some exciting changes. From restoring the link between pensions and earnings to taking nearly a million low paid workers out of income tax, Liberal Democrat election pledges have played a central role.

Sometimes an emergency brings out the very best in people.

The recent fire in the Madingley tower block on the Cambridge Estate in Norbiton is a classic example.

Liberal Democrats should be immensely proud of what they have achieved in the little over two months since the Government was formed, as well as the huge influence the party has on the Coalition and its agenda.

Kingston’s Magistrates’ Courts are under threat – again.

Eight years ago, we fought a hard campaign to stop closure and, against all the odds, we won.

But can we save Kingston’s courts this time?

On the positive side, we have the same strong arguments:

In my last article, I promised to “update you on my new Ministerial responsibilities working with Vince Cable in the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills” – so here goes.

My main responsibilities in the Business Department cover Employment, Trade Policy, Competition Policy, Company Law, Consumer Affairs and Postal Affairs (including Royal Mail and Post Office Limited).