So we arrive in the UK in the 10th and final year of Blair's government. Does this mean a new election? Well, no. (Do we all know that the people of the UK did not vote for Tony Blair--outside his constituency as Member of Parliament, MP, for Sedgefield? That PMs are selected by the Queen as the leader of the majority party of elected MPs for different constituencies? That that is how a parliamentary election works? We do now.)But, it is fairly certain that Blair will be replaced by Gordon Brown current Chancellor of the Exchequer.
So, politics shall be a little more at the forefront than usual while we are there. Accordingly, we will discuss the parliamentary system with my friend and colleague Dr. Peter Catterall, an instructor at Queen Mary College and a Conservative elected councillor for his district, at his office at Queen Mary Monday morning, 2 July.
Dr. Catterall has also arranged a visit to the Houses of Parliament for 11am on 3 July, to be guided by David Evennett MP, Member of Parliament for Bexleyheath & Crayford, and Opposition (Conservative) Whip, who talked with us last year and gave us an impromptu tour. 
Ask Krystal, but I found this MP (who clearly loves politics) to be fascinating. The Conservatives will probably be buzzing with excitement at the change. We are chock-a-block with student senate officers this year so--Leah, Jeffrey, Allison, Cole--I expect some good questions! (Like, what's a whip?) [Additional note: plan on packing at least one set of nice clothes; suit and tie is not necessary in Parliament (although I will have on a tie), but shorts and sandals are not acceptable.]While we are at Queen Mary there is on 3 July @ 6:30 pm, a public lecture by Sir Michael Barber (former senior civil servant), on "Blair and Public Service Reform Delivery." OK, perhaps not your cup o' tea as they would say, but it is on our doorstep and free. (And, of course, optional.)
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