Book Launch, Cardiff University: Ministerial Leadership by Leighton Andrews

I am an alumnus of Cardiff University and regularly attend events there. I noticed this political book launch and as I’ve been out and about doing a lot of political work for the Labour Party recently I decided it would be an opportunity to do a bit of networking and to learn some more about the field of politics.

We convened at the very stylish Glamorgan Building at Cardiff University. There was quite a large crowd gathering inside and there was freee wine so I got stuck right in. Did a bit of networking and the topic of the general election was on everyone’s mind.

I bumped into the former Labour Party MP for Monmouth, Huw Edwards. I recognised him from some of Cath’s events and I had a good chat with him. We were discussing what was happening on the ground while I was out doing #LabourDoorstep for Catherine Fookes. He said it all sounded positive and he is hopeful that Labour will be victorious in Monmouthshire. Huw was very pleasant and was telling me about his life as an MP and indeed what he has done since he left Parliament. He told me what it was like working as the MP in Monmouth. He was full of advice and tips, including ticking me off for necking too much wine lol. I can’t help it in entertainment environments, being a DJ, Huw…. If I was playing records though, and working, I would be stone cold sober so I understand the point.

I think this was the same week that the horrible scandalous news about MP Huw Edwards’ namesake – the BBC presenter getting caught committing sordid crimes. I can assure people that this Huw Edwards is nothing like the BBC vermin, who disappoints the whole of Wales really as we all looked up to him and the world is in shock.

As you can see the Glamorgan building is lovely inside, Real classy.

Leighton Andrews gave his presentation on the book. He had connections to UCL in London, another former university that I attended. The book sounded quite technical and is perhaps above my pay grade in terms of its use as I sincerely doubt I will ever be in a ministerial position. Politics is just a bit of fun to me, really. The more you eneter politics though, the more of a mystery it becomes and it is intriguing seeing how everything works, so when I get five and a spare bit of cash I will probably invest in the book as Leighton whetted my appetite and it would be nice to follow up, support the event fully and read it and do a Wez G book review. We shall see.

I had a quick drink with Cardiff friends, Flapsandwich and Eleanor, afterwards, before catching the train home to Caldicot. A worthwhile event and I’m glad I went.