Jeremy Clarkson made a surprise appearance at the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham, joining land agent Charlie Ireland on stage to criticise Labour's record on rural England.
The television presenter loomed alongside Ireland, who told delegates that the Government had moved his meeting three times. Victoria Atkins, who hosted the session, looked starstruck as Clarkson took to the stage.
Rural England takes centre stage
Day two of the conference was supposed to be economy day, but was overtaken by the party's focus on country and coastal issues. Katie Lam, trailed by young Conservatives seeking selfies, attended a Countryside Alliance event amid questions about rumours of a possible defection, which her team denied.
Ms Atkins lamented that she had not been allowed to deliver her speech from a hay bale, and criticised the Environment Agency, warning its staff could face changes when she is in charge.
Conference side notes
Chris Philp told the Express's home affairs editor that he unwinds by playing football, in defence. Kemi Badenoch, battling a cold, said her secret weapon ahead of her closing speech was honey and hot water.
James Cleverly rescued a thirsty journalist by handing over a bottle of water, a gesture seen as evidence of his credentials for a potential mayoral run in London.
