Andrew Young Campaign 2005

Day Thirty: The end of the campaign

2005-09-30T08:14:00.000-07:00

Spent a pleasant but tired evening propping up the bar next to CCHQ. The other exec guys were there and we made a good start on working as a team, but of course there is a lot of work to do.

Chatting to some of the other CF guys there it was clear that lots of people aren't happy. Some have given up on CF as an organisation, others were peeved that they couldn't even vote (I know I was one of them).

For this year the key must be to begin setting out a strategy that will take us into 2009 and winning a general election. If this year's exec can put in place measures that will leave a legacy then we will have succeeded in our main role.

Well done to all of them. The exec race wasn't a nasty affair, and in fact I quite liked my fellow candidates. I will be in touch with those who weren't successful to find out more about their ideas and to make sure no good initiatives are left behind.

Hope to have another blog for the year to keep me accountable and to let people see what is going on. Watch this space!!!

Election Day +1: National Chairman Results

2005-09-30T08:07:00.000-07:00

Results from the National Chairman race.

Nick Vaughan 170

Annesley Abercorn 107
Daryl Williams 82
Chris D Kelly 80
Jonathan Cordell 55

(The lesson is, if you want to be chairman get a campaign video)

Other Elections: Greg Stafford beat Tim Crockford 12-8 to become London Western Chairman.
Owen Meredith beat Robert Pritchard 4-3 to take Stafford

Day Twenty Nine: The results are in

2005-09-29T15:33:00.000-07:00

CF National Management Executive 2005 -

Caroline Hunt - 267
Claire Palmer - 239
Sam Beaver - 218
Andrew Young - 186
Jonathan Ash-Edwards - 176
Dan Large - 151

Other Candidates;
Ranil Jayawardena - 146
Graeme Brown - 135
Jay Singh-Sohal - 133
Dominic Llewellyn - 129
Christian Walker - 129
Matthew Dalton - 125
Adam Cunard - 120
Mike Wallbank - 109
Ali Berridge - 94

Sleep, I really need some sleep. I promise to work hard all year, but give me 24 hours to recover first.

Day Twenty Eight: Thank you

2005-09-28T03:12:00.000-07:00

The count is tomorrow at CCHQ and its too late to go scrounging for more votes. Just time to say thanks to all the wonderful people who have really helped and supported me.

To the copywriters on ConservativeFuture.com who contacted me with kind messages of support and who forwarded on the campaign email. Thanks guys you really made the difference.

To Richard Willis and Lizzie Fison, thanks for your kind endorsements, they really lifted the site.

To Tom Stoddart and Zoe Aldwych, thanks for nominating me, wouldn't even have got this far without your help.

Claire Palmer, you have been a star, a real source of support throughout, good luck for Thursday.

To my fellow candidates, you all seem to have managed to behave yourself. Not much cut throat back-stabbing which must be a first for a Conservative election. (All except that one pleb who is working on a Chairman candidates campaign and who decided to spam the site, yes I DO know who you are - grow up. It's no surprise you find it so difficult to get a girlfriend.)

The election has been great excuse to get in touch with old friends and for shamelessly making some new ones. Thanks to everyone who has pledged their support and for the (sometimes very) nice things you have said. We'll see what tomorrow holds, but I have enjoyed the campaign immensely whatever happens.

Finally, thanks to Sarah Southern our embattled National Organiser. Goodness knows why you are still sticking with the job, but I know all the members appreciate your (solidly non-partisan) efforts on our behalfs.

Day Twenty Seven: A final message:

2005-09-27T02:52:00.000-07:00

Tuesday before the count, if you were lucky enough to receive a ballot, now is the time to send it in.

I was lucky to be able to talk to a lot of you over the past month about what I wanted to do for CF. I met up with some old friends and made some new ones along the way.

I am convinced that this generation of young Conservatives is as good as any that has gone before it, and if we can harness that raw talent and enthusiasm then the Conservatives will have a bright future.

I have strong ideas of what I want to do as a member of the Exec. Work needs to start now to have in place a solid e-campaigning strategy by the next General Election in 2009. We also need to turn the part of CF that targets non-students, 'Working Life', into a quality organisation that attracts the older generation of CF activists and prepares them to fight and win elections.

I would not ask for your votes if I was not sure that I knew what I wanted to do, and was prepared to work hard for the next twelve months.

The detailed proposals are set out in my manifesto and are discussed a bit more on this blog, take some time to have a look at them, and if you share my passion for trying to turn this organisation around then I would be honoured to have your support.

Day Twenty Six: Final Week

2005-09-26T02:11:00.000-07:00

The race is coming down to the wire. Every day reveals new people who can't vote in the election and usually this involves whole branches being ineligible.

This has a bad effect on people who were pounding the pavements last election, delivering leaflets or canvassing. To find out that, despite all the work you did, you are not even a member, usually because the guy in charge of your branch or area 'forgot' to send in the right information is at best annoying, at worst, a kick in the teeth.

Also, emailing the area chairmen, to try and reach the members outside of London, it is quickly becoming clear that some contact details are out of date and completely useless as as result.

CF needs a shot in the arm. We are a poor shadow of the organisation that we should be, and the problems are not complex. Simple things, like knowing who our members are, or asking who should be responsible for certain jobs seem beyond our capabilities. Reform is a vague notion for the party as a whole, but for CF it is much simpler. We need to take a professional outloook on how we conduct our business.

The Exec don't need to run another branch, they need to concentrate on work that will support the branches and have us working as an effective team by the time of the 2009 General Election. I want to focus on our e-campaigning strategy and improving the services for our non-student members, it will take some hard work and a bit of forward planning, but I know what can be done within the year if the exec wants it.

Roll on Thursday!

Day Twenty Four: The morning after the night before

2005-09-24T04:25:00.000-07:00

Sleep! For the first time in a week I get a full night's sleep with no work to go to. Thinking back to last night (and I filmed much of it so there is proof) the evening was a bit of a dissapointment. The huge slate of candidates meant that no-one could have made a decision with the fairly pointless 90-second speeches.

However, there were a few general pointers. Candidates who came across as fairly normal and relaxed in what they were saying did well.

My good friend Claire Palmer went for something totally different and just chatted from the front of the room, whereas some others believed that they were shadow cabinet ministers and needed to convince the world of their own self-importance!!

Among the Chairmen candidates there seems to be a tough decision to make. Do we go for someone who is fairly cool and charismatic, or a hard worker, or someone who is well connected, or someone with good ideas? Sadly there was no one candidate with all these qualities.

I am tempted to go for the hard worker - CF can't afford another slow year. There are four years to get everything in place for a general election contribution involving lots of young people, this will take some hard work. Whoever you vote for be convinced that they'll give you twelve months of hard work and that they at least know what they are doing.

Day Twenty Three: Hustings

2005-09-23T03:18:00.000-07:00

The biggest night of the election and only one and a half minutes to speak (actually three because Paul Bristow was a bit pissed and didn't bother timing anyone).

What to say? Well, no point going for detail, anyone who can tell you all they want to do in one and a half minutes must have parents who were cousins. The actual speech went something like this;

"Hi, everyone, my name is Andrew Young, I am a CF activist involved in the CF.com website and many of you know me from campaigning at the election.

The details are on my manifesto and website but basically, if elected, there are three things that I will work on for the year and try to get right for you. Our E-campaigning strategy, improving Working Life and reforming the way CF works.

If you give me one of your six exec votes I will work very hard for you for the next twelve months. (smile nervously) Thank you." (THEN sit down before people start throwing things)

The night then descended into a rather boring drunken shouting match with the chairmen candidates before we all piled down to a pub round the corner where a TV crew was filming for some nefarious purpose (probably making one of those naff 'young people in the Conservative Party' videos for conference)

It was fun, and as always good to talk with some old friends, including my fellow candidates for the exec.

Day Twenty Two: Stress, Stress Stress

2005-09-22T02:58:00.000-07:00

One week to the election and still no ballot paper. The pattern seems to be repeated across the country. Robert-John Tasker, the chairman from Kingston emailed me to tell me he hadn't got his ballot (or Fresher's Fair stuff). After phoning central office he found out that none of his branch member's had their forms registered with central office because the area chairman "Forgot to send them in". Only those who registered centrally will be getting their papers.

NOTE: The Kingston guys are not unique, many of you 'members' are not members and will not be eligible to vote this time around.

Reforming CF was always the difficult part of this campaign to communicate to people. Put simply, the way we are set up as an organisation is a bit amateurish. The one staff member we have is massively overworked and we rely totally on area and branch chairmen who range from very good and professional, to almost non-existent.

We need to reassess how we should be working, and how to bypass the problems that come with having so many key members as students or overworked young professionals. This includes simple things like interns at Central Office to help with the admin, to proper systems of accountability.

Day Twenty One: At the local

2005-09-21T16:15:00.000-07:00

My first meeting with my local association which has just undergone a revamp. A new website and an incredibly young exec. Most of the new members there last night were under-30 or not far off, making it an exciting branch to be part of.

The focus is understandably on the local elections next year.

Meeting a group of CF members (every Tory under 30 is technically a member AND btw eligible to vote!) who are running their own association is impressive, truth is, that the older members of CF, who normally don't get involved, can be the most productive.

I want to see a structured series of events, tailored to an older group of CF members, that encourages under-30s to get involved in their local party and encourages them to stand for election.

At the minute there is a 'lost' generation of older CF members and a neglected senior half of the organisation. This means that there is lots of positive growth still to be achieved. Eye-catching events and networking with young professionals can reverse this trend, and provide a way for Conservatives to make up ground in the cities beyond London.

Day Twenty: Westminster and City CF

2005-09-20T09:35:00.000-07:00

My first time at an event with a new CF branch. The guys in Westminster and City are just starting out in forming a branch and had Jo-Ann Nadler, author of 'Too nice to be Tory' booked. Sadly, illness stopped Jo-Ann attending but she will be making an appearance next February. Eric Forth kindly stepped into the breach and entertained the crowd with his upfront manner.

One thing that will help brand new branches or smaller branches struggling to get going is the right sort of support from CF. The office in London can't be expected to have much hand in the day-to-day running of branches, but there are some things the new CF exec should get sorted out.

We can consult our existing branches and write up some 'How to...?' booklets, on holding events, recruiting and campaigning. There is a wealth of experience that should be shared with people who need it. If the booklets can be made available online along with professional templates for campaign literature all the better.

We can even go further. Already branches can use the RSS Feed to get daily updated articles on their websites. The next logical step is to provide branches with their own professional-looking site that can be the property of the association and passed on to the next exec.

Old or abandoned websites are a common feature of CF branches, simple steps can change the situation for the better. I am passionate about changing the way we use the internet to campaign, we already have a small lead with the CF website, but the future requires some ambition and forward planning.

Day Nineteen: The problem with CF

2005-09-19T14:25:00.000-07:00

One thing that can be guaranteed at CF election time is that rumours will fly. This time has proved no exception.

The Chairman candidates seem to be getting it in the neck worst of all - but they are all big boys and I'm sure they can fend for themselves.

What I found most dissapointing, is that some idiots are whingeing about the work of our National Organiser, Sarah Southern. I think the knuckle-dragging imbeciles who are following the 'blame someone' strategy towards election victory should stop and think twice.

Sarah runs the entire operation for CF, all of our 15,000 members. This includes dealing with all the admin, events and queries about CF (from MPs, councillors and, at the moment no doubt, three thousand plebs worried about their ballot papers. NOTE: contact Stephen Phillips instead - sphillips@conservatives.com )

The only real problem is that, with Sarah working so hard on our behalf, she is stretched a bit thin. My manifesto sets out the one thing that an good CF exec should argue for as an immediate priority - more staff. True, we are unlikely to ever get another paid member of staff, but I think it would be very easy to get up to two six-month internships that would ease the workload we currently put on one person. With more time, the National Organiser can devote more time to planning ahead, hopefully setting up the foundation of a campaigning strategy in time for the next election.

Day Seventeen: Backing Claire

2005-09-17T14:58:00.000-07:00

For this year's elections I will be backing my good friend Claire Palmer. I met Claire whilst campaigning in Hornchurch and was impressed by the hard work she put in whilst getting James Brokenshire elected.

Claire works as a barrister and could no doubt inject a bit of professionalism to CF. She is also a writer on ConservativeFuture.com

Of the other candidates Caroline Hunt and Matthew Dalton will also be getting my vote. I have heard from other people that they were the two busiest members of the exec and am willing to reward them with votes. We need an exec of hard workers and these two have proven themselves over the past year.

For chairman I am backing Annesley Abercorn. Despite a 'unique' manner and the worst haircut in politics, he has proven his ability to get things done in the past. We can't afford another slow year in CF and Annesley has the ability to organise big events and sweet talk politicians into giving their support (witness the toe-curling endorsement from Oliver Letwin in his campaign video).

Day Sixteen: Ballot papers

2005-09-16T16:45:00.000-07:00

Ballot papers will soon be arriving with members, offering a choice of one of five chairmen and six of fifteen candidates for the CF National Management Exec. Completed ballots need to be arriving before 12pm on the 29th September, so it's best to send them back as soon as you get them.

You are eligible to vote if you are

a member of the Conservative Party and have been for more than three months.
are under the age of 30.

Quite a few of the older members of CF have expressed an interest in voting but are fairly sure that they won't be receiving any communication from CCHQ. If you think you might be affected call Stephen Phillips at CCHQ and ask for your ballots to be sent to you.

Day Fifteen: Website Wonders

2005-09-15T15:32:00.000-07:00

Having had a look at the other websites I can't help but feel that this effort is a bit low-tech by comparison. Almost everyone has commissioned a professional site - except for one person who looked at mine and decided to get a matching one!

Some include fancy graphics, background music and today - for the first time - I saw the campaign videos! However, I'm guessing in the long run it won't matter, people with a clear idea of what they want to do should be ok.

I have been working on the Conservative Future website for the past 20 months now. At first I wrote articles, but recently we have had a mini-relaunch, with daily updates and I took over a managing role for half of our team of twenty writers. If you have a branch or even a personal website get the RSS Feed. It'll keep your site looking busy and professional whilst still retaining the feel that the content is written by real CF members.

I am now mad-keen to take the site and e-campaigning to another level. Some candidates want a magazine - but I feel that in the 21st century, when our target audience is under 30, we shouldn't waste the money, effort and huge amounts of time into paper, when we can have a daily magazine getting to every member and interested person at the click of a mouse.

The next step is providing website templates, followed by e-resources to branch and area chairmen such as campaign literature and 'How to..?' manuals on campaigning and organising events. This could deliver a minimum level of professionalism even to small or inexperienced branches.

Also, shouldn't we use the internet as a powerful tool for campaigning and mobilising our members? The americans have shown what can be achieved, we already have a slight advantage here in the UK, let's take it one step further.

Endorsement: Richard Willis, Parliamentary Candidate Sutton and Cheam

2005-09-15T05:31:00.000-07:00

"I am delighted to give my support to Andrew in his campaign for a place on the CF National Executive. Andrew is a dynamic and charismatic person who is full of ideas for a more effective National CF organisation."

"During the General Election campaign he gave me considerable support with canvassing and delivery across the constituency as we reduced the Lib Dem majority by over a third. He was a vital part of my team and fitted in well with the other local CF members."

"I am sure Andrew will be a great asset to the team if he is elected!"

Day Fourteen: Biggest Night of the Year

2005-09-14T16:40:00.000-07:00

A few weird things happened tonight. Firstly, a HUGE number of CF members gathered in the one place at the one time. Secondly, an unprecedented number of new members, female members and friends of members turned up. Thirdly, all this happened in that well known 'adult entertainment' venue Stringfellows.

What lessons can be learnt from this? Well, I'm not suggesting we all start hanging around in strip clubs (oops, just lost 300 votes with that one), but when one event is so successful something must have gone right.

The venue was good, designed for social events and easy to get to. The speaker was well known (though likely NOT for being the true-blue Tory that he is). However, without that 'value added' feeling, that came from it being something a bit diffferent, something you discussed with your friends, it is unlikely that it would have generated such a buzz.

This was not a student event - yet the place was packed with CF members, including students. A lot of the guys who showed up were CF in name only, the 'lost' members of the party under 30 who could make this organisation so much more effective if they were to take an active interest.

CF needs to start raising its profile, making itself relevant to its own members. With a hard working exec with big ideas, it is possible.

Day Thirteen: Revisiting the campaign trail

2005-09-13T15:33:00.000-07:00

My FULL MANIFESTO is now posted on the CF website.

In Sutton tonight meeting up with the CF guys there for the first time since the election. We spent months delivering leaflets and canvassing to try and dent the Lib Dem majority - with some success. However, we need to change the way we campaign.

Other parties are better organised for mobilising larger numbers of activists. Better communication involving gathering reliable information about our members and using it properly is a simple step, but one that seems to have passed us by. Changing the initial information we gather will help us keep in contact with our members and may do something to slow the dramatic loss of CF members after University.

As well as reforming the way we currently do business we should also explore new ways of getting our message out there. E-campaigning in this country lags behind the U.S, even though an increasing number of people, especially the under-30s that form our membership have easy access to the internet. Already we have an advantage, a website that leads its closest rivals - but by committing to an e-campaigning strategy it is possible to go a step further.

Day Twelve: Nomination Accepted

2005-09-12T15:16:00.000-07:00

Finally, all the waiting around and second guessing is over. Nominations have closed for CF Elections and I am on the ballot against 15 others.Now seems the right time to set out why I am standing.

I believe CF forms an important part of the Conservative Party. Young people need a way to get involved. However, success relies upon having a full team committed to working hard.

I am determined to see the way CF works changing. There is a lot to be gained by being more professional in our outlook. Having a definite plan of what we each want to achieve is vital. I want to see change in three areas;

Website and e-campaigning - As a national organisation of 15,000 members, Conservative Future lacks a central focus. When targeting Under 30’s in the 21st century, the Internet is the future. (Link)
Working Life - There is huge potential for growth amongst non-students. Special events and training will help to recruit and retain Working Life members. (Link)
Reforming CF - To achieve more as an organisation and serve our members better, we need to change certain things. This involves simple changes to how the organisation works to inject a bit of professionalism that other parts of the party take for granted. (Link)

A copy of the full detailed manifesto will be available on the Conservative Future website shortly.

Day Eleven: CF Training Conference

2005-09-11T22:59:00.000-07:00

Just got back from the CF Training Conference in Warwick Uni. It replaces the usual conference and tries to give young activists some skills that they can use in campaigning and in later life.

It was great to meet up with guys from all over the country. Some were familiar faces, some I met for the first time. The atmosphere was great and everyone found it easy to make new friends. Sadly, after the Saturday night came the Sunday morning, and hangovers abounded.

Still, after checking my camera I found this photo of me and after dinner speaker Esther Mcvey.

Training conferences are a great idea. Members would benefit from the skills learnt and it copies the system in the U.S, where activists are encouraged to learn the skills that will help them win elections in the future.

Right, I need to catch up on some sleep.

Manifesto: e-Campaigning

2005-09-09T06:50:00.000-07:00

As a national organisation of 15,000 members, Conservative Future lacks a central focus. When targeting Under 30’s in the 21st century, the Internet is the future.

Pledges –
· Provide e-resources on website including; campaign templates, ‘How to..?’ manuals and contacts lists.
· Use the website to aggressively recruit members and collect email addresses for the weekly bulletin.
· Continue my work on the news team for the website, providing a daily updated source of stories that CF members can use on their branch websites.

Day Eight: Campaigning

2005-09-08T15:15:00.000-07:00

A busy week trying to get in contact with as many CF members as possible. Strict rules mean that using distribution lists of local associations is out of bounds. Luckily friends, and friends of friends have been passing on the web address letting people read for themselves what I stand for. Feel free to send the link to any CF members you think might find it useful.

Meeting CF members in Havering tomorrow, followed by this year's CF Training Conference. I would like to see lots of smaller one day training conferences teaching media and campaigning skills to our members and branch chairmen.

Down to Sutton next Tuesday to talk to the guys there, and on Wednesday a big gathering of London CF members in town. Busy, busy, busy.

Day Seven: Nomination completed

2005-09-07T16:24:00.000-07:00

City of London CF Member, Zoe Aldwych has seconded my nomination to stand for the exec at this year's elections. Ballot papers are due to be sent out on the 14th September at which time the election really starts.

Anyone who would like to get involved in the campaign before then, please drop me an email.

Manifesto: Reforming CF

2005-09-07T15:53:00.000-07:00

One large part of my campaign covers the boring subject of reform. Put simply, to achieve more as an organisation and serve our members better, we need to change certain things. This involves simple changes to how the organisation works to inject a bit of professionalism that other parts of the party take for granted.

Lobby for another permanent member of staff, if not, some interns to ease the National Organiser's workload
Expand the size of the exec. This year has shown the limitations and potential problems of relying on a small group of volunteers to run a national organisation.
Actively expanding our sources of sponsorship as the number and type of events changes.
Improving basic communication between members, branches, MPs and Central Office.

Day Six: Liam Fox at Heslington Group

2005-09-06T15:55:00.000-07:00

Liam Fox addressed a packed bar of young Conservatives tonight. An event organised by Telegraph columnist Jonathan Isaby and fellow irishman Richard Price, it never fails to attract a crowd. This despite it being a no frills event.

Dr Fox is launching his campaign for the Tory leadership on Thursday. One point he raised, that I thought was worth mentioning here, was the need to stop talking about a vision for the Tory party and start talking about a vision for the country.

On campuses and in workplaces up and down the country being a Conservative doesn't carry much weight. Yet at the same time, young people do agree with what we believe in, and have long since lost any faith in Labour. Why can't we make any headway?

I would like to see CF changing people's perceptions. The best way to do this is to get out there and meet them. I wonder, if Conservative Future were to have a speaker's panel of interesting Conservatives from all walks of life, could we begin, in small meetings, debates and dinners all over the country, to change people's perceptions? By getting out there and talking about a basic message of personal freedoms and responsibilities it may be possible to get people to reassess their political thinking.

It certainly wouldn't hurt membership to be organised at the national level to use our contacts to contribute in the success of our local branches.

Manifesto: Growing CF

2005-09-05T13:47:00.000-07:00

The membership of CF needs to increase to ensure the future success of the party.

Presently we lose a lot of members after university as student subscriptions expire, and our recruitment can be slow, with many people turning up to events who never fully, or properly, register.

Simple changes can change things for the better:

Having an aggressive recruitment campaign featured on the website.
Tailored events for the 25-30 age group, with recruitment on the night.
Changes to the way we collect members information, ensuring we are able to maintain long-term contact.
Events out of London to target young professionals in major cities.
Training days to provide skills to activists.

Day Five: Nomination Day - Tom Stoddart

2005-09-05T13:42:00.000-07:00

Tom Stoddart, CF Area Chairman for Surrey and respected local councillor has today nominated me to stand for the Executive of Conservative Future.

Thanks to Tom for his support and kind words of encouragement.

Day Four: Endorsement from Elizabeth Fison

2005-09-04T15:54:00.000-07:00

"I met Andrew while campaigning for the target seat of Sutton & Cheam in the general election. Andrew put in loads of effort, here most weekends and some evenings, injecting a welcome burst of energy into the whole thing, despite living elsewhere.
I've also seen his commitment to CF through his work on the website. As a writer in his team, I see how much he inspires and encourages us to contribute a broad range of articles that both challenge us and are fun to write.
Finally, he's a great friend who offers continued support and is great to bounce ideas with about my work for Sutton & Cheam CF and the LSE Conservative Association. Put simply, Andrew Young would be a dynamic breath of fresh air on the national CF exec, who I believe would help make CF a much more fun, interesting and efficient organisation to be a member of."

Lizzie Fison, Chairman of Sutton & Cheam CF and Chairman of the LSE Conservative Association

Day Three: National Convention

2005-09-03T15:38:00.000-07:00

An important day for the voluntary wing of the party. The National Convention met to discuss the proposed changes to the party constitution. Though a modernisation plan is offered, it is likely that this is going to be implemented whatever the outcome of the vote. The second half, about electing a leader, is what has caught everyone's attention.

Ultimately, the decision should be left with the MP's who have to accept someone as their leader. Most members agree with that. However, the proposed changes have ruffled a few feathers. Like me, most would prefer to see an electoral college system, whereby the members have a formal role in selecting the candidates, but the business decision is (sensibly) left up to individual MPs.

It was good to see CF members making an effort to turn up en masse and hopefully all will take the chance to use their ballots. Younger members have little say nationally, the Convention is one opportunity - let's hope, whatever they vote, the turnout is good.

Day Two: Writing the Manifesto

2005-09-02T16:32:00.000-07:00

Busy, busy, busy. Work is picking up again after the long summer break and I still have a campaign to organise and a manifesto to write. Looking back over the past year and recalling all the people I have met at the various campaigns, by-elections and events, brings back some good memories.

I believe getting involved is the single best way for CF members to increase the standing of our organisation. Though not known for their massive financial contributions, the gift of time spent leafleting or canvassing, counts for a lot in the rapidly ageing party.

In some associations a young person walking through door will get some strange looks, as if the members can't believe you are willing to give up your spare time.

As the largest youth political organisation in the UK, we should make it easier for our members to get out on the campaign trail.

It works for the Lib Dems.

Last May, in Sutton, they took a hammering, having their vote cut by a third by Richard Willis, formerly at Reading. Looking round the people waiting for the count, it was easy to see who the Lib Dems were. On average twenty years younger, they were able to pull their candidate out of trouble by having a better organised youth wing, who swept into town at the last minute for the sort of furious groundwork that only young people have the energy to pull off.

CF can match that, but it will take a change in the way we organise ourselves. With luck, by next election in Sutton, and elsewhere, we can beat the numbers of young campaigners mobilised by Labour or the Lib Dems - and show them how it's really done!

2005-09-02T12:05:00.000-07:00

Baroness Thatcher

Day One: The Campaign Begins

2005-09-01T13:42:00.000-07:00

Day One of the Conservative Future NME campaign. I have already received some excellent support from my fellow copywriters at www.conservativefuture.com

I have been working on the website for the past year, and within the past few months the site has relaunched with a new format. This means that ordinary members or branches can have a feed of articles, written by young conservatives all over the country, that is updated daily. (See link http://www.conservativefuture.com/resources/websitetools.cfm )

It takes a lot of work to coordinate the site, but luckily I share the workload with Richard Jackson. Each of us has a team of twenty or so enthusiastic writers, who come up with the goods every week.

I think that the good start we have made with the website needs to be followed up. In an organisation of 15,000 members, e-campaigning is the future, emulating the success of our counterparts in the US and Europe. I am standing to be elected with the clear aim of expanding the usefulness of the website. When members are spread across the country, having a central point of contact, a focus for the diverse membership in cyberspace is crucial.

Campaigning Begins

2005-08-31T13:20:00.000-07:00

As of Midnight 1st September 2005, the campaign for the National Management Executive of Conservative Future begins.

photos

2002-08-17T01:37:00.000-07:00