Smith applauds coaliton's first 100 days
The first 100 days of a new government is always a benchmark.
The coalition has not fallen apart, as many predicted.
What has happened is that we've seen record spending cuts planned to tackle Britain's deficit and radical policies outlined to reform health, education, welfare and the police.
So it's been an interesting time with more "interesting" times ahead as the trades unions square up to Cameron, planning a day of protests in opposition to the cuts to coincide with autumn's spending review.
And a public backlash is expected as details emerge of where axes will fall in the public sector.
Although our region is by no means one of the most reliant on the public sector, there are still pockets like Luton, Cambridge, where around 40% of jobs come from the council. (Source: House of Commons)
"The autumn spending review will be a chance to consider the real priorities, and I think many people will take an interest in the proposals put forward then. I know my mail bag is full, for one," says Conservative Norwich North MP Chloe Smith.
She thinks the new government has got to work quickly and properly.
"I have been glad to see David Cameron and the Cabinet carry through on the promises they made; including getting to grips with the country's dire finances, improving provisions for training and education, increasing the state pension and commencing a compensation scheme for Equitable Life victims.
"Since the election, many people that I speak to support the simple idea of parties working together in coalition and I feel the coalition is operating constructively."
There's no doubt that the coaltion has caused friction in the Lib Dem ranks. Their former leader Charles Kennedy was "profoundly disappointed" that a deal couldn't be done with Labour and locally, Colchester Lib Dem MP, Bob Russell, voted against the government over the VAT rise.
"I am not at all happy," he said about the proposed increase.
Don't wory Mr Russell, onlydays to go.
Welcome to the political blog for the East. I'm Deborah McGurran, the ´óÏó´«Ã½'s Political Editor for the region. From Lowestoft to Luton, this is the place for politics with an eastern twist.
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