Last week

Monday morning I deal with constituency correspondence. I get 1,200 pieces a month.

Later, as his ministerial aid, I support Energy Minister John Hayes in debate. My role is to source information. I sit directly behind him and liaise with officials.

In the evening I meet John to discuss the Energy Bill.

Tuesday morning I meet colleagues to consider ministerial business ahead. Later it is to Number 10 to meet with the PM. Then I immerse myself in the draft Energy Bill (running to 305 pages). There are votes through the afternoon and several visits to the Chamber.

On Wednesday I attend Prime Minister's Questions.  The atmosphere's charged with positive news on unemployment and Ed pressing for the Chief Whip's head. The afternoon is in the library and further work on the bill.

On Thursday morning there is an Urgent Question on energy policy. Notice is short and I rush to the Commons to meet John and work on our statement. I support him in the Chamber — speaking clearly into his right ear — he is deaf in his left. He does well.

Then officials brief us for a three-hour debate in which John leads.

Later I go through constituency matters with my office. I then return home to write this. I am interrupted by a late call from an MP concerned by an announcement that it is rumoured DECC will make tomorrow. I follow this up immediately.

Tomorrow is Friday and I am on the early train to Devon for a packed two-day schedule. I look forward to pulling out of Paddington – Westminster is exhilarating but Devon is sanity. And when my week ends on Saturday night it is followed by Sunday and time in that precious hinterland that is my wife and family.