SHE’S an MP in the first coalition government since the war, working alongside the Conservatives in the commons.

He’s the leader of the opposition on Poole council, taking the Tories to task every week.

The shift in circumstances must make for interesting chat over the breakfast table for Annette and Mike Brooke.

Mrs Brooke told the Daily Echo that just days ago, the idea of a coalition with the Tories had not been in her mind as she fought, and narrowly won, a fierce battle for Mid-Dorset and North Poole against Conservative Nick King.

She said: “We’ve just been out there fighting the Conservatives, so it’s difficult to get my head around it, and there are potential difficulties ahead, but the opportunity has to be grasped. Both of us campaigned for change. It’s about making sure that change is for the better.”

While she was pleased with the policy concessions won through the negotiations between the two parties, she approached the alliance with “some trepidation”.

“If I focus on the risks then I feel very very nervous about it – but if I focus on what could be achieved, that’s incredibly exciting,” she added.

Meanwhile Mike Brooke, Liberal Democrat group leader on Poole council, is also accentuating the positive.

He said opposition was still needed to hold the council to account. But he added: “I hope the attitude of co-operation will filter down to the council level so we can work together for the good of the people of Poole. That’s what we’re elected to do – not to be adversarial.”

But senior Liberal Democrat, Cllr Brian Clements, who has served on the council for 25 years, said: “Unfortunately in Poole the Conservatives are still the nasty party.

“I don't see any signs of Conservatives holding out a hand of friendship, even to people in their own party who disagree with them.”

Conservative council leader Cllr Brian Leverett, said: “In Poole the Conservatives have an absolutely clear mandate. We will continue to listen to all councillors and treat their views with respect.”