THE idea of going to the Tory Party conference would be a complete anathema to most Labour Party members. But this is exactly what Welwyn Hatfield parliamentary candidate Mike Hobday is doing this week. Mr Hobday is attending the conference in his

THE idea of going to the Tory Party conference would be a complete anathema to most Labour Party members.

But this is exactly what Welwyn Hatfield parliamentary candidate Mike Hobday is doing this week.

Mr Hobday is attending the conference in his capacity as a lobbyist for MacMillan Cancer Support.

He told the WHT: "My job takes me to all three party conferences, so it will be interesting to see the difference between them!"

Reflecting on last week's Labour Party conference in Brighton, Mr Hobday said: "I always enjoy Labour Party conference - not least because it's the chance to meet up with old friends from all over the country.

"I also love the political debate, especially in the fringe meetings and receptions at the conference.

I've always enjoyed the cut and thrust of political discussion - it's only by debate and argument that better policies emerge."

He added: "But this conference was better than most.

"Perhaps because the election is approaching, Gordon Brown was putting forward a vision of the society that Labour wants to build - one that is fairer, built on low carbon growth and on opportunities for all rather than tax cuts for the richest in society.