Prof. Lord Norton was guest speaker at the Gainsborough Constituency Conservative Association's January Supper Club event held at the White Heather, Caenby Corner, near Market Rasen.

Dozens of supporters attended the event, despite the forecast snow, and came away with a deeper understanding of the differences between the two Houses of Parliament - the Lords and the Commons.

Lord Norton, who is a Conservative Peer and an expert on the British Constitution, explained a little of the difference in procedure that exist between the upper and lower chambers, enlivening his comments with amusing stories from his time in the Lords since 1998. Lord Norton also explained the many benefits of having, as we do, an asymmetrical duo-cameral parliamentary model; allowing the House of Commons to represent the people in the country and provide democratic accountability of the Executive and the House of Lords to undertake work that the Commons can not. Particularly he suggested the benefits of the non-elected second chamber were the ability to appoint people with specialist knowledge and to rise above partisan activities. Lord Norton took a couple of questions from the floor. Before being warmly thanked by Mrs. Stephanie Rouse, the Association Chairman.

Diners, including Edward Leigh MP with his wife Mary, enjoyed a two course supper of tender roast beef with seasonal vegetables, Yorkshire pudding, mini roast & new potatoes followed by chocolate tart, or winter berry cheesecake or cheese and buscuits.