SHADOW minister for schools, children and families Michael Gove visited Theydon Bois Golf Club at the weekend for a meal with Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing, as part of the district's Conservative Association's annual Blue Ribbon Dinner.

The meet-up was the first since the association's high-profile vote of confidence in Mrs Laing last month, which was called following controversy over her expenses.

Mr Gove, who has also been caught up in the expenses affair and recently repaid £7,000 to the taxpayer after criticisms over his claims, was the guest of honour at the event, giving a lecture on Conservative education policy followed by a question and answer session.

Mrs Laing said: “I was very pleased to introduce Michael to so many people who really care about our future education policy.

“They were most interested in what he had to say - and he is also a very witty after-dinner speaker."