Today was always going to be fascinating, as all five of our challengers for the leadership had to face a 30 minute hustings in front of all their colleagues. Before that, though, there was the drive to London to contend with, a session in my office and then to some delegated legislation at 1630. That didn't last long and gave us all time to get to a committee room in time for the start of the hustings. I listened to all of the: Michael Gove, Liam Fox, Andrea Leadsom, Theresa May and Stephen Crabb. They all gave a good account of themselves and it was interesting to hear in which direction they would take the Party and country if they were chosen. I have made no secret of the fact I am backing Andrea Leadsom. The hustings ended at about 1900 when another one organised by other MPS started almost immediately. I only had time to listen to Andre, Stephen and Liam before I had to attend a supper with Dorset councillors to discuss the future organisation of local authorities. This had been organised by Oliver Letwin, kindly, and we chatted for about 90 minutes about the future direction of local government before the Division Bell rang for the last vote of the day. Ackowledging that we needed another chat on this vexed question with everyone present, we bade our farewells.