Eco Town is not over.

It will be two weeks ago tomorrow that I was at Westminster to hear the announcement that Pennbury was not going to be included on the Government's eco-town shortlist.

Soon afterwards I was with protesters who were celebrating outside number 10 Downing Street, having completed one of the largest and most organised opposition campaigns I have ever seen, and I suspect ever seen in Leicestershire.

But their work is still not over. Having spoken to Kevin Feltham at a county council meeting this week, they, Cascet, are still desperate to undermine the Co-op and their proposals to build close to Leicester.

There's just one thing I cannot get over, and that has been the attitude of the city council in this. The tram I can understand was attractive, but the rest? After all that regeneration work they have done?

Eco-towns are a Labour policy, yes, some councillors are Co-op Labour members, but even the Labour Government did not think that much of the proposal, even from day one. The highest grade it ever got was a b/c I think. Keith Vaz and particularly Sir Peter Soulsby have been completely against it, and made that clear.

Now I was told very early on by a very senior councillor, who wouldn't make it up, that members of the city council cabinet were told by the party they had to support it. But I was always surprised at the extent they did. I remember on one occasion, Patrick Kitterick had a real go at Sir Peter Soulsby in the paper, called him something like a "maverick MP" for opposing it.

This has been the third time that the Co-op has tried to develop their farm land, and I suspect that it will not be the last time, in fact, it probably won't ever stop until they can get the result they want. Clearly they have decided that farming is not going to make enough money, or they need to raise some, or both, and housing is what they will try to do. The green plans are admirable, but in my humble opinion, almost impossible to deliver. Cynical I know, but money is the driving force and I just can't understand how they can make the money they want if they reach these standards.

I suspect that they will now try to apply for a smaller scale development, as a sustainable urban extension, using all the research and work they have done in the build up to their failed eco-town bid. No surprise there probably. And if they can sort a tram, then the city will probably back them again.

Clearly the Government's decision was a big blow to the Co-op, but it is clearly not over.

Hopping mad.

I am absolutely furious - maybe I should drink some more water or something, that's supposed to help.

People tell you to wait by the phone, they will call, and they don't, you get hold of them, they say they'll call in ten. Nothing. Then you realise that 36 hours have passed. Charming man.

Anyway, the weekend is upon us, so I'll keep it short. I have today received some exciting documents from the city council relating to expenses and trips. Looking at what to do with them and hoping to run a few days of stories on them next week.

Posted the video on here of Keith Vaz being slurped at by Diane Abbott yesterday, which got a good reaction so made it on our website. Got a quote from Mr Vaz - glad he saw the funny side.

"Diane is an old friend. I reckon she could try her hand as an impressionist should she ever want to give up politics!” - he said. (She was taking the mickey out of me, I didn't really look that pleased on screen, now I'll start using words like "Reckon" to get down with the kids and look light-hearted afterwards in this quote. Job done.)

Off to London tonight for more birthdays and wedding-related organising. Shame I'm not around for Alan Duncan's public meeting in Oakham tomorrow at Victoria Hall from 10am. We are of course covering it and will have a story in on Monday. Very interested to know what happens there and whether it is painful. I suspect that the hall will be very busy, but Alan is not stupid, so a large proportion may be his supporters to ensure it doesn't get too ugly. We'll see.

Slurping at Keith Vaz.

To lighten the mood somewhat, watch this video of Keith Vaz in Parliament and fellow MP Diane Abbot taking the mickey out of him. So funny.

Election time!

It is the big day tomorrow! After I vote I'll be in work and who knows what will happen. Well, apart from the results I do actually. This election will be decided on national issues not local ones, so that's what we'll look at.

We'll be doing some exit polls in at least two spots. First we'll probably be in Keith Vaz's patch in Leicester East to get an idea about how city voters have reacted to his attitude, and ask them how they voted and why. There is a loyal Labour following there but it could be creaking because of the last month's events.

The other poll will be done in Alan Duncan's Melton patch. I think this will give us a really good gauge of the mood in the county. I suspect the Tories will do well, and if they do well here, they'll do really well in the rest of Leicestershire.

Better get an early night, and do keep an eye on the Mercury website and on here for up to date news tomorrow.

One week in one post.

Back in the game. My future wife (who is London based) took my laptop for crucial work. Turns out that it was to watch a TV show called brothers and sisters, and as a result my blog lay fallow for a week.

Anyway back now and what a three days at work it has been since Tunisia, 13 and 14 hour days, but all worth it.

Wednesday: two words: Special Olympics. So after months of asking the city council and organisers about the levels of taxpayers' money needed, they admit that it is going to payout an extra £1 million. No-one is anti the event, who could be, but at the same time why couldn't they just be honest and say what we all knew.

Oh, surprise surprise the city council has failed to hit its FOI deadline for the cabinet's expense claims. Again County Hall does it no problem, with days to spare. Not them. I know that councils keep them centrally. Have already made a formal complaint and will go to the Information Commissioner. And if the rumour I have heard is true, and the cabinet decides to publish them on their websites next week, they will be in big trouble, and will help my case.

On Thursday night it was the mayor-making at the city council. Manjula Sood's 'reign' has ended and she has been tremendous. As the first Asian female to hold this post she has bought in media coverage for the city from all over the world. Most importantly, anyone who has met her knows that she is a lovely woman. And now Roger Blackmore takes over, a very bright and funny man. His year will be completely different, I am especially looking forward to seeing him in action in the council chamber. I think there will be some fire.

And last night, a difficult one. Police called in to look into allegations of dirty tricks in the County Hall elections. I will be careful about what I say here, the story is neutral and relies on facts. This story is going to run and run, not sure where though. Is not on the website yet, nor is details of David Taylor's expenses and more anger from Keith Vaz. Will add the links as soon as possible.

Off to town for present shopping for my brother and then do some wedding stuff in Rutland. Hopefully I'll get to cheer the Tigers on as well. Phew.

This is going to be my last blog for a few days because I'm off on a golf jolly to Tunisia with some men I've not met before.

So anyway, today John Mugglestone tells me to ring him back in an hour and then turns his phone off. Get a feeling we won't hear the last of this leadership battle in the city Conservative party. Coun Mugglestone, on his day, was a decent opponent to Ross Willmott, especially over the potential closure of Riverside school last week, but I think it may be time for a change. Ross Grant is desperate to make an impact on city politics, and I can't see that giving young blood a chance can be a bad thing.

Was reminded by Gemma that Alan Duncan was on Have I Got News For You talking about his second home allowance before it all went wrong and someone started digging up his garden. Go to 5.25. Notice he wasn't apologising then. I wonder if he's embarrassed. ANOTHER REASON WHY PEOPLE ARE SO INFURIATED ALAN.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oa899LWtZA0

There will be a brilliant piece in tomorrow's Mercury about Keith Vaz and expenses. Our award-winning features writer Lee Marlow went to find him at a school visit because he has been ignoring us for the last week. Initially Keith was pleased to see him until he stopped asking about a school crossing, and Lee was sent out of class.

Have a good weekend, back at Mercury Towers on Wednesday hopefully looking like Ron Atkinson. Hope someone doesn't use sun tan lotion to make a naughty symbol on my body when I fall asleep by the pool.

Patricia Hewitt's hedge.

I've been speaking to our county and city MPs about their expense claims this morning, Patricia Hewitt has just told me about having her hedge trimmed and Andy Reed about going to the B&Q sale. Is going to make a good spread tomorrow so make sure you have a look.

www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/politics

Oh, have made further attempts to contact Keith Vaz. Will he be paying any money back? I hope to find out later.

A message for Keith Vaz: call me!

Dear Keith,

If you read my blog can you give me a ring back please? I'd like to interview you about expenses and ask whether you think you should pay any money back like some of your colleagues have. I know you have given us a statement, I know it was within the rules, but you rang the editor and I hoped that this meant you would want to give your views over the phone or in person. Maybe you have sent a pigeon or a horseman will deliver a message with a time or date or something or anything. That's probably it.

Love Martin x

Anyway, county council election trail has started, and over the next three weeks we will be writing in detail about the big issues and battlegrounds. Tomorrow's is travellers, and there are few more divisive, emotive issues than this one. The main parties have set out their arguments, most of which revolve around breaking illegal camps up quickly but ensuring they have somewhere to go. The spokesman were a credit to their parties, but knowing politicians as I do, some will use this issue for their own gain, probably by spreading fear of crime.

Although travellers can cause problems, it is a minority, they deserve to be treated with respect. If they are treated as they should be then when they break the law they can have no complaints when we throw the book at them.

Oh, we will also have a spangling exciting election section on http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/ from the morning. You should look.

Tomorrow I will be writing about a major change in the political make-up at the city council. One thing any council needs is a robust opposition to scrutinise decisions made by the cabinet and its officers. Too often the Mercury has been the main scrutineer. It is part of our job, but we cannot speak out at meetings or start change from within the council. Good luck RG.