Liz appointed new Tory Women's Officer

Hoping to add zest and appeal to the Tory campaign to make the Party more appealing for women is Liz St Clair, the newly appointed Conservative Women's Officer.

A little bird told me earlier this week that Liz had the job, but she asked me to hold back on writing about it until it had been finalised. She confirmed it this morning, though it seems Central Office has not yet issued their press release.

Liz was formerly co-ordinator of the Conservative Women's Organisation Forum, she will now be working closely with Margot James.

She told me that she was very keen to support David Cameron's changes and support women inside and outside the Party and work towards attacting new women votes.

I'm afraid I have no pic of Liz, she declined to send one, said it had to be sanctioned from Central Office.

Update from CCO: Vice Chairman of the Conservative Party, Margot James said: "I'm delighted Liz is joining the team. We've a wide ranging programme throughout the country and we need to ensure effective dialogue between the Party and the lobby organisations representing women's interests."

Good luck Iain

Iain and other Eastern region Conservative candidates with Tim Yeo

Many congratulations to Iain who kept his head and his dignity after not being placed on the A-list first time round, but has now rightfully been included. Modest in the extreme, he mentions it in passing at the end of this post.

I worked with Iain during last year's election campaign, though he needed no press advice from me, I just had to report back to Central Office about his campaign. I know nobody will work harder and be more genuine in serving his constituents as their dedicated and loyal MP.

And if you need reminding about how I made Iain, blush, then please read this.

Update: Iain does not plan to return to Norfolk, understandably prefering a constituency closer to his home in Tunbridge Wells, and has set his sights on Essex (still within spitting distance of me), as well as Kent and London.

The West End beckons

I'm heading for the smoke soon with my son James to see Billy Elliot again.

This is a real indulgence as it is second time, but he finds it irristible. He is a budding thespian aspiring to tread the boards, so I could not refuse.

He has recently joined Whizz Kids drama group in Cambridge and is waiting to have his professional photos taken and be assigned an agent. It is highly regarded and many of the talented kids end up with TV and film roles. I know James is good, but I don't know if he is outstanding enough, we will have to wait and see.

As a proud mum, I have enjoyed watching him play the Artful Dodger in Oliver and Bert in Mary Poppins. He does fantasise about playing Billy, but is not keen on wearing a tutu: he'll have to learn that's par for the course....