Fundraising WITHOUT a Belize Billionaire

Unlike my Conservative opponent Justine Greening, neither I nor my campaign have ever been the recipient of thousands of pounds in political donations from a non dom billionaire. And I wouldn't want to, either.

Every penny I spend is raised locally - through donations from local Labour Party members and supporters, and through the type of fundraising events that voluntary organisations across the Putney will be familiar with: raffles, quiz nights, social events and - the highlight of the fundraising year - our annual dinner.

On Tuesday evening we again took our annual dinner to the fantastic Telegraph Pub on Putney Heath. The food and service was excellent and the company and conversation even better. Our after dinner speaker was the witty and hugely entertaining political editor of The Mirror, Kevin Maguire. Kevin entertained us with tales from Westminster and - in the most noble of dinner guest speaker traditions, declined the raffle prize when his ticket was pulled from the hat (three times no less!).

It was a welcome (albeit brief) break from the campaign trail and I was particularly pleased to see so many members who have been working so hard on behalf of both me and Putney Labour party. As the recipient of that hard work, effort and endeavour (as well as their financial donations), I can tell you it is a richer reward than all of Ashcroft's billions.