UCL Conservative Society

Earlier this month I launched my Manifesto of Principles as part of my campaign to become the next National Chairman of Conservative Future. I make no apologies that my Manifesto of Principles is an expansive document. In it I share my views on Conservative Future, where I feel the organisation is now and where it should be going.

I have published the whole on my Manifesto of Principles on the official Rock4CF website but, over Christmas and the New Year I will put up one section every few days on this website. I want UCL members to read and comment on the ideas included in it - let me know what you think! In January, I will publish my ‘Business Plan’ which will define how I intend to deliver a bigger, better and bolder Conservative Future.

Section 1: Strong and Supported CF Branches

Local Relevance & Impact
I want to develop a national brand for Conservative Future, but with a local relevance and impact. We should believe, and be able to convince others, that the Conservative Party is the party of Government; as CF, we need to invigorate younger people and inspire them to get involved in politics. The role of the local Chairmen is vital and the NME must be focussed on supporting them to professionalise CF,

Re-establish CF as a political force
Conservative Future needs to re-establish itself as a political force: leading from the front, supporting the leaders of the future, getting people interested in politics and shaping the future of the country. The potential for our organisation is too great to be dragged down by the cloud of apathy that surrounds politics at present. As an organisation we cannot afford to wait for the Conservative Party to return to Government: there are individuals in all areas of the country ready and willing to make a difference, when given the appropriate support!

Strenghten local branches
The strength of Conservative Future is based on our branches; from Croydon to Cardiff and Exeter to Edinburgh the heart of CF beats in these local organisations. They are far and away the most important asset we have. We must maintain and strengthen the current branches. I do not want to set a branch up in every constituency or area; they may not need them.. I want to CF to re-build its ties with CF Scotland; I am a unionist and believe we can be a more effective force if we work with all areas of the UK. We should remember that not all students at Scottish universities are Scottish and vice-versa with the other home nations. I will personally work with the CFS Chair to strengthen the relationship between our organisations and promote and support their events and campaigns.

Improving CF network
Maintaining and improving our network will enable input from our branches to be heard by the NME and the Party. The NME regional meetings (see section 4) will ensure this happens, but I will make sure the local CF Chairman’s view is heard in the policy process. I want the NME to be focussed on supporting the Area Charimen, who in turn should support their Branch Chairmen. I propose a significant re-alignment of ‘power’ within CF: I intend to support the organisation from the base upwards, by opening up communication channels and empowering activists locally. I intend to allocate a region of the country to each member of the NME , who will be solely responsible for providing that region the support it needs.

Ties to local associations
I also want the individual branches to work more closely with local associations, and vice versa, to support and grow the membership, relevance and capability of the branch. This already happens in some areas, and has been producing encouraging results, but I want all associations to realise this. I will also make the case for having CF represented on the Committee of the local association, and on the MP selection board for the constituency.

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