Each Political Party will have the same reason to regard this year's conference with interest. In a word  - leadership.

In chronological order:

1) Lib Dems.

Having ousted Charles Kennedy to boost their chances against the Conservatives the LDs now find their popularity on the wain. This is as much to do with the rising popularity of David Cameron and the Tories as much as it may be that poor old Ming Campbell is simply not projecting much of a statemanlike image, or that Charlie Kennedy still haunts the Party. Then there are the golden boys looking on from the sideline, waiting for their chance - Nick Clegg, David Laws and no doubt several oddballs. This could get very messy.

2) Labour.

Will Tony Blair name the day? His authority is constantly being challenged and the Labour Party grows more fractious by the day. Will Gordon stop speaking in code and spell it out to Tony? What will happen on the fringe? Again, this could get messy.

3) Conservatives.

This is David Cameron's first party conference as Leader. he will want to stamp his authority on the conference and present the Conservatives as a united and disciplined force to be reckoned with. As usual, the journalists will want to find issue with what goes on in Bournemouth, particularly if they feel that having reported bloodshed at the Lib Dem and Labour conferences they should treat the Tories 'fairly'. Nevertheless, the Conservative have the best prospects for a good party conference and despite some minor controversies within the Party there are plenty of reason to be cheerful - like being ahead in the polls clearly and consistently. Government beckons.

No, we're not finished yet...

4) UKIP.

It may not be the big event that the other parties have, but the Purple people do have a party conference. Where? We don't know. What we do know is that following Roger Knapman's resignation as Leader, the UKIP have been choosing a new maximum leader. He will be unveiled at the UKIP Party Conference.

This, frustratingly for the Purple people, will largely go unreported. That would not have been the case had Kilroy-Silk been in the running, but since we are talking about a collection of MEPs and nobodies slugging it out in a typically rowdy UKIP  brawl it is likely that the outcome of this contest ranks alongside other minor curiosity value items in the eyes of the media.

We're not sure what the Greens are up to. In the past they haven't had a leader which is a bit sad, but we do hope they have a nice conference. Will it be carbon neutral?

Enjoy the conference season. It should be interesting.

a) Loans to political parties are now treated much the same way as donations. In other words loans must be declared and may only be made by 'permissible' donors - UK voters, companies, trusts and so on. No dodgy loans from China, the Middle East, Colorado and so on.

b) It will be possible to register to vote anonymously if you are 'at risk'.  Presumably that means your personal safety is seriously at risk and nothing more trivial.

c) You may now register to vote as late as 11 days before the election. This is a change from the effective 2 months before polling day.

d) Service voters may now register for three years rather than one. This is a response to the disgraceful state of affairs  during the General Election when British troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan were effectively disenfranchised.

e) Postal and Proxy vote application forms now require a signature and date of birth. ALL existing postal and proxy voters shall have to reapply for postal or proxy votes.

f) There will be a review of polling districts and polling places within the next 12 months.

g) 18 year olds may now stand for election to Parliament and Local Council. Bringing forth the prospect of a teenage MP?

h) Voters will have to sign for their ballot papers on a 'corresponding number list' which will record to whom ballot papers were issued. This is likely to raise suspicion amongst voters about the secrecy of the ballot. In practice however it is a continuation of the system of limited traceability to prevent fraud. Who wants to be a presiding officer or polling station clerk at the next election?

In turn Geoffrey hears what life is like locally, what the real concerns of people are, and he can sound out voters on issues he is encountering in Westminster.

Geoffrey has also sponsored an exhibition on Micro-Generation at the Winkleigh Village Hall. Winkleigh is a village that has faced the prospect of a 'Biomass Generator' being built on the nearby airfield. This electricity power station may have consumed renewable power sources to produce electricity, but it would have had an environmental impact that many found unacceptable. Whilst the threat of the development may have receded, in the longer term ways must be found to produce renewable energy that do not substantially impact on the environment as the Biomass Generator and the massive Wind Turbines do.

Lastly, this is show season. Geoffrey attended the North Devon show in brilliant sunshine (this is not always the case) and found a warm welcome.