I'm going the The Spectator Awards which take place at lunchtime in Claridges Hotel.

Attending such events always overpowers me slightly. Actually, just being in Claridges does that all on its own, without the accompanying pomp and circumstance of the event.

I've been nominated for the readers' choice Parliamentarian of the Year award, which of course I won't win - but I'm not sure how many times I need telling that!

For the past week or so some of the biggest names in Parliament have come up to me and congratulated me for being nominated, and then said "but of course you know you won't get it, impossible in your first term". Well of course I know that, but I can dream can't I?!

I think they have been kindly managing my expectations, which is lovely; but I would have liked to have walked into Claridges today with just a hint of expectation.

Never mind, the lunch is bound to be good and it is always interesting to observe the great and good at play - as I will be doing, from behind an oversized potted plant!