Conservative MP John RedwoodSWINDON FESTIVAL OF LITERATURE: JOHN Redwood probably won't like this review.

The Conservative MP certainly gave the impression last night that he doesn't like the media very much at all.

Admittedly he said that politicians should shoulder some of the blame for people's lack of interest in politics but it was when he talked about the media's input that he sounded like he really believed it.

The media became a 'distorting prism' through which the poor honest politicians are forced to try to set out their great ideas.

Fair point, many would argue, but it was then a surprise when Mr Redwood advocated a political system with less MPs, arguing that the country could cope with 125 fewer representatives, as well as giving his support to a US-style live TV debate for party leaders.

Mr Redwood's new book, Singing the Blues, sets out what he believes the Tories need to do to get back into power.

But the MP kept very quiet about who should be setting out those ideas within the party.

Asked who should be the next leader of the party he insisted it was far too early to say.

"It would be premature for candidates to start their campaigns now," he added.

But he did not rule himself out of the race so there is still a slight chance that anyone who picked up a copy of Singing the Blues last night might be getting a sneak preview of the next Conservative manifesto.

Isabel Field