I think that probably in some areas the Labour message about some of the things that they said we were going to do - and which we weren't going to do - cut through.

We are mandating forces to hold regular neighbourhood beat meetings. These meetings will give local people the chance to scrutinise the work of their local police.

Britain and the United States have an enduring and special relationship based on the values of freedom, democracy and enterprise.

In seats where perhaps we don't expect to win at the next general election, the new infrastructure gives us a chance to win local council seats and to build a campaigning base which could help us to win in the future.

Nobody can guarantee the real terms per pupil funding increase. In the Labour party's manifesto we know the figures don't add up.

When you first come into Parliament, it's a daunting place because you feel you've so much to learn. Once you've been re-elected, you feel much more confident. It just gives you a bit of a boost.

In tough times, everyone has to take their share of the pain.