As Sir Alex Ferguson steps down from Manchester United after 26 years and an impressive record behind him, it is perhaps time to award him with another high honour – whether it is higher than leading the greatest team in the world is for you to decide. I have had the privilege of meeting Sir Alex – albeit briefly, but what is also clear other than his passion for football, passion for leading and ‘Fergie time’, is also his great interest in politics and supporting those in need.

Yesterday I attended the State Opening of Parliament where Queen Elizabeth II accompanied by the Prince of Wales, Duchess of Cornwall and the Duke of Edinburgh announced a series of bills to be put before Parliament. The speech lasted no more than 10 minutes and it would be fair to say that the content was thin on the ground – it lacked any real substance.

The new Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby has hit the headlines this week after criticising bankers. Archbishop Justin Welby, who was an oil executive on a six figure salary, quit the oil industry to become a man of the cloth in 1992 and was enthroned in February 2013, is well placed to criticised senior executives. The Archbishop also serves on the Parliamentary Commission on Banking Standards thus is insightful on banking matters.

On the doorsteps of England today, Labour activists will be campaigning on a mixture of local and national issues.

When it comes to local elections, there are two galleries to which politicians – national and local – have to play to. One is the essentials of local government, with issues like pot holes, post offices and playing fields upper most in councillor’s minds. The other is the national picture, with the economy, Europe or even the scandal and rumour of Westminster trickling out onto the campaign trail.

Conservatives across the country are making three promises to you today: we’ll protect services on your streets, we’re fighting for the pound in your pocket and we’re fighting for the future of our country.