Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch made a point of visiting the Express stand at the party conference in Birmingham to say a personal thank you for their excellent coverage, editor Geoff Maynard has revealed.
In his weekly editor's letter, Maynard said the parliamentary team, known as the parly team, are the hardest working on Fleet Street, providing a constant stream of copy across the site, social media, print and video. He noted they are unique in working across all those platforms.
A Week of Highlights
The visit capped off a busy week in which the Express also hosted a fringe event with Jacob Rees-Mogg and staged its ever-popular pub quiz. Shadow environment secretary Victoria Atkins read out the first round before political editor Martyn Brown took over as quizmaster.
Maynard expressed pride in his team and gratitude for having such a talented and motivated group, agreeing with Badenoch's praise for their hard work.
Prince William's Mental Health Message
Prince William urged people to “check in, listen and show kindness” as he spoke with royal editor Emily Ferguson for World Mental Health Day. Maynard praised the traditional values of kindness, respect for elders and good behaviour, saying they are under threat in a world where online vitriol dominates.
William told the Express: “Taking the time to check in, to listen, and to show kindness can make more of a difference than we often realise.”
Other Campaigns and Stories
Head of showbiz Sasha Morris reported that Meghan Markle is keen to apologise to the royal family for her comments on Oprah Winfrey. Reform leader Nigel Farage wrote for Express readers pledging to “fight tooth and nail” against Prime Minister Andy Burnham's decision to downgrade the pension triple lock.
Senior reporter Richard Ashmore reported progress in the Honour Our Injured 999 Heroes campaign, with the Honours Committee passing their approval recommendation onto King Charles. Environment editor Steph Spyro continues to campaign for 14 gentoo penguins at the London Aquarium, which has been accused of “dither and delay” over a new enclosure.
The Better Bones for All campaign won a major victory when Labour pledged to ensure universal access to fracture liaison services, but concern remains at the lack of progress in establishing them in roughly half of NHS trusts. Health editor Hanna Geissler reported on six-year-old Yaqoub Shehab, an orphan from Gaza who has endured 15 surgeries since a blast killed his parents and baby brother.
Reporter Robert Fisk wrote another article for his Cancer Care campaign, discussing how difficult it is not knowing exactly how long he has left as he deals with incurable bowel cancer. Features writer Karen Rockett interviewed weather forecaster Laura Tobin about her new book Come Rain or Shine.
Hanna Geissler also wrote about former soldier Paul Coleman, 38, who is selling his home to fund “one last chance” at private treatment for incurable brain cancer, with his wife Michelle fundraising to help foot the bill.
Looking Ahead
With party conference season over, the focus returns to Westminster as the countdown to the budget at the end of the month begins. There will likely be a lively clash between Andy Burnham and Kemi Badenoch at Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday.
The international football break is over after a three-week hiatus, and the joys of Celebrity Traitors and Strictly are there to brighten up televisual evenings.
