Long-term diary

11 September Close of grassroots membership ballot in Conservative leadership contest.

12 September New Conservative Party leader announced.

23 September First day of Liberal Democrat annual conference, in Bournemouth.

30 September First day of Labour Party annual conference, in Brighton.

8 October First day of Conservative Party annual conference, in Blackpool.

15 October The House of Commons and House of Lords return from the summer break.

2002

1 January Earliest date for euro notes and coins to be circulated alongside the existing currency in participating countries.

There is then a six-month transition period during which both currencies co-exist as legal tender. By 1 January 2003 only the euro will remain in participating currencies.

3 June The Queen's Golden Jubilee. Extra bank holidays are planned in celebration of the event.

16 September Ten year anniversary of Britain dropping out of the Exchange Rate Mechanism.