A battery messed up Mark Oaten's busy shedule

Took over 45 mins to travel to the Town Hall by bus last night because Arsenal were playing at home. It was tail to tail with traffic along the Holloway road. Wednesday night was Islington's local party AGM - I didn't want to be late but shouldn't have worried as the whole programme stated late anyway.

The formal bit over, we all waited for the guest speaker Mark Oaten MP our Shadow Home Secretary. In his usual style he was brief and straight to the point explaining the Lib Dems objection to the Governments plans to detaining terror suspects for 90 days without charge. Unfortunately he had to rush off due to a media engagement so there was no chance for members to ask questions. Everybody was please he took time out to speak to us. For some local party members it's the only time they get to meet to an MP.

The fun part of the evening was the auction and raffle. Raising a bit of money for campaigning is the norm for any Lib Dem meeting. Quite surprised that I actually won a prize. Moroccan seasonings in a huge clay pot. The pot will be very useful in the garden. The bid for tea with Charles Kennedy was won by Councillor James Kempton - rather the bid ended at him as he wanted it most. James is a good laugh at the best of times.

The evening over and it was drinks all round. Social drinking is not my scene so waiting for my lift home I went outside for quick a fag. I enjoy watching people going past and that part of the borough is always alive into the early hours of the morning. Suddenly noticed a familiar walk and a recognisable tie waving in the wind as the owner rushed to put his take-away food container in the bin. Watched as he rushed back to his car. One could sense his impatience. Noticed an AA van parked alongside. Suddenly thought as I walked closer it can't be - yes it was, Mark Oaten. Couldn't resist it - just had to go and speak to him. Least he knows me through working in the party so it wasn't like going up to a stranger.

All that rushing about and his car had died on him. It needed a new battery and he was waiting for the men to bring him one. For somebody who was supposed to have left in a hurry over an hour earlier - talk about rearranging a shedule in haste. Mark let down his formal guard to chat. Least he was far more interesting than in a political environment. Was able to tell him that I've not had a chance to before and that I wish he would smile a bit more when he's on the television. That made him laugh. Said he'd think about it and I should watch next time.

Told him I'm going to write about it on my blog - least he gave me permission with a smile.

The battery eventually turned up so I went back inside looking for my lift. Cllr Graham Baker who lives in the street behind my house is a kindly soul but he enjoys a drink after such occasions. I usually end up waiting for him but it's safer than travelling home in the dark on my own.

Mark was still outside sorting out his car when we eventually left. Felt the polite thing to do was to introduce Graham to him before driving off.