The rain got heavier, and Rishi Sunak's bespoke suit became the focus of attention. I presumed that he'd just fired the starting gun on what would be one of Gravesham's most closely fought elections in recent history. According to the polls, Gravesham would have a new Member of Parliament for the first time in 14 years. The polls were correct; we have a new MP, but it wasn't the battle I expected.

In 2000, there were 67 pubs in Gravesend; at one time, there had been many more. Today, just 31 are still trading. As I write, the latest to close is The Peacock, which served its last pint on 1st January this year. As a whole, the UK loses about 500 pubs a year. With rising costs, streaming and home delivery keeping many of us on the sofa, is there a future for the British pub?

I’m delighted to announce that the first print edition of The Gravesend Journal is now available.

This first edition tells the story of Tony and Vicki Harris, who founded a community group, The Table, to feed the homeless and those in need.