Mark Hoban MP, Shadow Financial Secretary to the Treasury, second from right, is one of the top Conservatives Chief Minister Lyndon Trott is catching up with at the party’s conference. (0851770)

CHIEF MINISTER Lyndon Trott met Shadow Financial Secretary to the Treasury Mark Hoban yesterday when he attended the first day of the Conservative Party conference in Manchester.

He discussed local issues with Mr Hoban before the MP addressed a conference on the subject of bank bailouts.

‘I had 10 minutes with him on a one-to-one basis,’ he said, ‘dealing with issues such as the Foot review and the Hunt review as well as broader macroeconomic issues.

‘Mark has become a very valuable contact as a result of the ongoing contact and engagement initiative.’

Deputy Trott also met Conservative Vice-chairman Bob Neill, a member of the Justice Select Committee, which is currently reviewing the relationship between the Ministry of Justice and the Crown Dependencies.

Today his engagements include a meeting with Shadow Justice Minister Eleanor Laing, at which the islands’ dealings with the Ministry of Justice will again be discussed.