Jackie Doyle-Price is MP for Thurrock. In her diary for this week, she tells Total Politics about sleep deprivation, her difficulties with IPSA and bearing the scars of taking on the BNP.

Like most MPs, weekends in the summer offer many occasions to meet constituents. I had a very enjoyable day at the Purfleet Heritage Centre with Thurrock’s Gurkha community. I shared the platform with the deputy mayor of Thurrock, Cllr Eddie Hardiman. Eddie is a dear friend who multi-tasks as a councillor, deputy mayor, professional photographer and my own personal paparazzi. He even tidies my hair before snapping to save using the airbrush!

This week saw a number of late-night sittings followed by early mornings. I had not anticipated quite so much sleep deprivation when I became a Member of Parliament. As a London area MP, I am entitled to claim for a hotel if the House sits after 1am. But, of course, we don’t know that until it happens. On Tuesday I decided to test the IPSA system to destruction and try and find a hotel at 1am. After 13 calls and being advised that the nearest room was in Dartford, I gave up and got the taxi home. There is no doubt that the old system was dreadful, but the new system leaves much to be desired.

I attended my first meetings as a member of the Public Accounts Committee. The new committee is capably chaired by Margaret Hodge. We both bear the scars of taking on the BNP. I firmly believe that ‘no platforming’ is both misguided and defeatist. You beat the BNP by taking them on, not wringing your hands as Margaret proved so effectively in Barking.

I have been campaigning with fellow MPs from Kent and Essex for the scrapping of the tolls at the Dartford Crossing. Sadly we were disappointed this week, but as there is no money left, not surprising. We were told however that the minister will look at measures to address congestion so we will continue the fight.

As this is ‘Proud of Pubs’ week, I took advantage of the excuse to show my support for the British pub with a well chosen pint at the Theobald Arms in my constituency. The Theobald is a traditional, real ale, family-run pub of the type of which there are all too few these days. Always a pleasure and an opportunity to reflect on the coming weekend when I will be attending the excellent Thurrock festival, a free event at Grays Beach which includes performances by such acts as Stavros Flatley and DJ Talent. I will however be at the front of the stage during Brother Beyond enjoying yet another nostalgic visit back to the 80s. I can’t do that enough.