It was not a good day for democracy. With the votes for the new police commissioner for Dorset being counted tomorrow, reports on a low turnout across the country are common. This whole idea is a disaster, totally unnecessary, costing c£100 million and politicizing the police force in one move. It's the last point which worries me the most and I'm sure will be reflected in tomorrow's results. Our parliamentary seat in Corby is also up for grabs following Louise Mensch's resignation and I suspect we will lose it. I drafted another letter to Louise Ellman MP, the chairman of the Transport Select Committee, whose support to retain the Portland SAR helicopter is most welcome. Regrettably, the Government's response to the Committee's warning that it should now consult on closing the Portland base was not helpful and in fact beggars belief. We shall fight on because lives are at stake.