THEY say a week in politics is a long time, but the last seven days must have seemed like an absolute eternity for the country s MPs, party workers and political activists. Whatever your political persuasion; the events of the last week have been fascinat

THEY say a week in politics is a long time, but the last seven days must have seemed like an absolute eternity for the country's MPs, party workers and political activists. Whatever your political persuasion; the events of the last week have been fascinating to witness, as each day brought us the potential for a new set of political firsts. Every twist and turn of possible political machination saw yet another sleep-deprived MP wheeled out to beat the party drum in what has turned out to be the most tumultuous and dramatic General Election in recent memory. It is still yet unclear what role our MP Jim Paice will play in the new Conservative Government, as reported on Page 3, but the Ely Standard would like to wish Jim well. We say that without any political bias, and because we know Jim is a good constituency MP who has served South East Cambridgeshire well for many years.

We would also like to pass on our congratulations and best wishes to our new mayor Brian Ashton, who we know will serve our fine city well. Lastly, to out-going mayor Richard Hobbs we say farewell and thank you for representing Ely so magnificently during the last 12 months. You may remember that one of Mr Hobbs's projects as mayor was to set up a memorial in Ely for all the soldiers, sailors and airmen who have died since World War Two. The memorial was unveiled last November on Remembrance Day and is a wonderful legacy to Mr Hobb's year in office and one that he can be justifiable proud of.

I also want to mention Callum Fairhurst (see Page 3 of this week's paper) who this week has announced that he is organising a cycle ride from John O'Groats to Land's End to raise money for the Clic Sargent children's cancer charity. Well done Callum. Having had the absolute pleasure of meeting this remarkable young man on several occasions I wish him the best of luck, but suspect he will succeed through his own determination and endeavour in reaching his fund-raising target and luck will play no part.

If you want to support Callum go to: www.twyclebritain.co.uk