The Leader of the Opposition, Michael Howard, has revealed the importance of regional newspapers to politicians - and the value of a local photo opportunity.

He told the Newspaper Conference Annual Lunch: "All the MPs in the room know the lengths we will go to for our local newspapers. I will take part in any photo opportunity. I will open any building I can.

"One thing is very clear to me. As the range of news sources becomes ever wider, so the importance of local news grows. Life for many people is not just increasingly frantic - it is increasingly local.

"People make political judgements based on what they see as the local impact of politicians' policies. What do they mean for their hospital? What do they mean for the schools their children go to? Will politicians be able to make the town they live in safer? How does regulation affect their firm?

"We need to recognise - and applaud - the role played by local and regional newspapers. All the research shows that you are more trusted than any other section of our media today.

"You are more widely read than any other part of the media. And in an age of increasingly localised news, you are arguably more influential than any other part of the media."

The Newspaper Conference comprises political and London editors and correspondents from regional newspapers, most of whom are based at Westminster. It revolves around a series of events, attended by senior politicians. The Annual Lunch is the main event of the year.

Looking to the future, Michael said: "To put it bluntly, the death of the local media has been greatly exaggerated. You were supposed to be killed off by the Internet, satellite television, celebrity magazines and the like. Today, you have not only survived. You have thrived and you continue to do so."

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
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