Philip has now left his post overseeing the development of Birmingham City Centre, and has moved to Newham Council, filling a similar role regenerating the area in preparation for the 2012 Olympics.

I was due to meet with Philip during the summer, but as I traveled to the meeting by train, I received a telephone call canceling the appointment from his office, saying that he had been called away to deal with more urgent matters, much to my protest.

A complete waste of time and money demolished by what I feel to be a very inconsiderate last-minute action by his office- I will not be making the journey again.

Image supplied by Birmingham Post