Despite being exhausted and arriving in a business suit straight from work, when everyone else looked like the belle of the ball,  last night was really good fun.

Amanda was on top form. She's not really used to public speaking and would much rather speak to 3 million people via a camera than 30 people in a room.

Regardless. You can't be that pretty, knowledgeable and nice without being a huge hit.

And judging by the number of autograph hunters in the Carlton Club, everyone was just a little star struck.

I hope our resident photographer Iain, emails me the pictures over the weekend; but for now, here's one someone took on Robert's phone of Vanda, Rob's girlfriend who had just arrived home from Brazil, Rob and I.

When giving the vote of thanks Robert mentioned how we first met. When I, as a young nurse walked into his hospital room where he was about to undergo an operation. He was just twelve years old and now he's going to be Harlow's next MP!! 

Just opened emails to read I was quoted by Dimbleby on QT. And then another to say it was Andrew Neil on This Week ? What do I know? I was partying!

If Iain gets the pics to me, I'll post later.

Fabulous job Pippa, as always!