Matthew Parris, The Times journalist, television broadcaster (he had
been on Question Time on BBC1 on the previous night) and political
commentator addressed the Annual Dinner of the Lichfield Conservative
Association at The George Hotel in Lichfield on Friday 21st October.

He told a sell-out audience (over 120 were packed into the Garrick Room
of the George for dinner) of his early time with Margaret Thatcher as a
Conservative Central Office researcher, how by rescuing a drowning dog
from the Thames he was chosen for a Derbyshire Parliamentary seat, then
went on to present Weekend World on LWT television, and afterwards
became a sketchwriter for The Times.

Michael Fabricant, in his speech of thanks, revealed how The Times had
got it wrong saying he had voted for David Davis in the election for the
Leadership of the Conservative Party the previous week. He revealed to
the audience that he had voted for David Cameron in both leadership
votes in the House of Commons. He then asked for a straw poll: 2 people
voted for David Davis. Over 100 present voted for David Cameron.
Michael Fabricant said "I hope when the result of the leadership vote is
announced in early December there will be a decisive win for one of the
candidates to give him the authority he needs. He could well become the
next Prime Minister of our country."

Photo taken in The George Hotel, Lichfield show left to right: Michael Fabricant, Matthew Parris, and Cllr Frank Lewis, Chairman of the
Lichfield Constituency Conservative Association.