Just as soon as it arrived, Conservative Party Conference has now come to a close - and with it, a raft of new policies, announced by cabinet ministers in their main stage speeches. Cut through the journalistic bluster, and Conference has given us a number of policy announcements which will have a genuine impact on the lives of people in Hitchin, Harpenden and the villages.
People across the country tuned into the Prime Minister's speech on Wednesday morning, where he set out his agenda for the coming year. His reflections on the purpose of our party and the Government should reassure us, highlighting his pragmatism and willingness to make difficult, but necessary, decisions. Leadership isn't easy, but it's always worthwhile.
On education, he set out his plans to reform the way that our qualifications work, reflecting the changing nature of the world today and helping to build the skills that our children and grandchildren will need to survive and thrive in it.
Meanwhile, the decision to cut back on HS2's extension to Manchester means that this Government will have billions of pounds to spend on upgrading local transport, including new bus routes, newly electrified railway lines, and an improved service for towns across the country. In an area like ours, people are far more likely to feel the direct effect of this funding.
Our national debates too often devolve into questions of funding, with little reflection on institutions, systems, and processes - these are the policies of a truly reforming Prime Minister, who doesn't shy away from the difficult challenges of the future.
However, it's not just the Prime Minister who had new policies to announce.
Health Secretary Steve Barclay announced plans for changes to the NHS constitution which will give patients the dignity and sovereignty that they deserve, while expanding the number of medical places available at university. Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Mel Stride announced tougher rules for enforcement against people who don't pay child maintenance. Education Secretary Gillian Keegan announced a ban on mobile phones in schools, helping to curtail the damaging effect that these devices can have on the learning experience of the next generation. The Chancellor announced a boost to the National Living Wage for as many as 2 million people. Time and time again, the policies put forward by my Cabinet colleagues reflected the tangible concerns that I hear on the doorstep.
While the King's Speech later this year will serve as the comprehensive summary of what this Government intends to achieve for the remainder of this Parliament, Party Conference has given us a clear - and positive - sense that this Conservative government will continue to deliver on the priorities of the people. Of course, it's always the case that the devil will be in the detail, but these early signs of the Prime Minister's agenda for the year to come should leave us hopeful as to the direction of travel.
