The long-serving MP for Salisbury Robert Key is a thoroughly decent man. Announcing his retirement this morning his letter spoke of his desire to do the right thing for his family and his party.

From all sides there have been glowing tributes to a strong Wiltshire champion, and fond memories of his traditional singing each time he was re-elected. Though 65 he has kept up with the times. His expertise in science and his Christian faith adding real depth to deliberations on the ethics of medical research.

But I suspect many young Tory hopefuls will be raising a glass to Rob Key tonight not because of his years of service but because his standing aside gives them a chance at a plum seat - and he did it deliberately before the deadline for by election rules.

From January David Cameron has made it plain that all women shortlists could be imposed on Associations. Whilst Mr Key was a supporter of all women contests when appropriate he wanted to give the Association the freedom to choose his successor in whatever manner they chose.

Odds are it will be an open primary. I'm told the advert goes out at the end of the week, with a possible selection date of the 31st of January.

Get those applications in!

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There are big government announcements expected this week that could see internet linked smart meters fitted to all our homes by 2020.

The idea of the meter is that when we see what we're spending we turn things off - saving an average £100 per household in trials. And by removing the cost of meter reading the energy companies could afford to fit them free.

But the big dividend could come from micro-generation. Everyone doing their small bit to increase the amount of renewable energy on the system. The US company GE have a launch of the technology at the Berkshire headquarters to time with the government announcement.

Here's a sneak preview. Is it at least part of the answer?

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Thank you all for watching in large numbers on a rainy Sunday yesterday. Judging by the bump in the viewing figures, people do seem to be tuning in especially for the regional part of the Politics Show in the South of England.

Some of my colleagues thought there would only be a limited interest in a 20 minute discussion about rail travel. But there are more and more of us using the trains.

Amongst the statistics we collected - punctuality in the South of England is improving, and the number of people travelling has nearly doubled in 10 years.

The £70m work on the Southampton tunnel will be frustrating for commuters to London (including me!) but will provide much better facilities for freight from the docks - taking thousands of lorries off the road.

Who says we don't report good news stories?

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