I love general elections. I like the blunt pencils on strings, the ballot boxes and the rulers that are used to prod the voting slips in. I like the names of the far-out parties, the unfolding outcome over a long night, the trip to the Queen.

I like the sense that we are a nation. I like being reminded that no one is mightier than the people.  (I like reminding those in power of that too.)

I like the history and institutions that sustain us and make over-turning a government possible.

I like the machinations of polling day – things being done well in a down-at-heel kind of way.   I like making the connection between the schools and community centres turned into polling stations and the pomp and ceremony of Westminster and the Palace.

I love our democracy and I am very proud of it.