John Moorcraft: Greetings One And All
This is an introductory article to John's new CF Diary column.
As some of you may perhaps be aware, I have spent the best part of the last three years undertaking research to ascertain the extent to which the establishment of Conservative Future has revived the official young conservative movement in the United Kingdom. Essentially, this research project involves comparison of the organisational structure, composition and political activities of Conservative Future with those of previous young conservative groups, such as The Young Conservatives and The Federation of Conservative Students, in order to assess how well CF is performing.
Over the last 12 months, I have been undertaking interviews and distributing questionnaires to current members of Conservative Future, former prominent YC and FCS activists and Conservative Party voters aged under 30, as well as individuals associated with right wing political youth movements abroad, in order to obtain as comprehensive an understanding of contemporary young conservatism as possible. Considering my research project is merely a doctoral thesis, I have been overwhelmed by the phenomenal response I have received and my completed work, barring any last minute mishaps, should constitute the largest academic consideration of the official young conservative movement in the United Kingdom ever undertaken.
Approximately one month ago, the Editor of CF Diary approached me asking whether I would be prepared to contribute a weekly column to the website. It was proposed that I would use the knowledge I have acquired on the official young conservative movement to write an article every weekend for CF Diary placing developments occurring today within an appropriate historical context. It gives me great pleasure to be able to accept this honorary invitation and I look forward to hopefully stimulating debate on CF Diary with my weekly ramblings on whatever aspect of Conservative Future has pleased/ amazed/ surprised/ depressed me at the particular moment when I come to write my article.
From non existent a year ago in my area to active now, CF are a big improvement.
Posted by: HF | January 27, 2007 at 14:58
Is the research you mention for a PhD dissertation? Just curious.
Posted by: Peter | January 27, 2007 at 20:13
I've noticed a very big improvement from CF. Great things are happening in Wales with new Uni branches and Asoc branches. I think Camerons fresher more modern approach is also helping greatly. We had to change if not we would have physically died out!
Matt
Posted by: matt wright | January 27, 2007 at 21:27
Moorcraft rules!
Posted by: Caroline Hunt | January 27, 2007 at 23:50
Go John :) .. clad to see you writing here..
Posted by: Tejus Ramakrishnan | January 28, 2007 at 17:31
The Cameron effect has been a God send to the Party, especially with young members. It is an organisation that was ignored for years by the high command of the Party. When it was set up, they just wanted to see rid of the dreadful YCs and infighting Student movements.
Nine years on, CF has a long way to go but has made huge strides.
What concerns me is where would CF be today without Lord Ashcrofts money? I understand that for the last 3 years it has only been money from his UK business that has kept it on the rails. Well that as well as its brilliant hard working members, who work so hard up and down the length of the country.
Posted by: Tory insider | January 28, 2007 at 23:30
Nice to read your article, John. I look forward to being a regular reader.
Posted by: Damon Lord | February 01, 2007 at 01:32
Peter,
Yep; my research project will initially constitute a PhD thesis (approximately 100,000 words) and will hopefully subsequently be published.
Posted by: John Moorcraft | February 01, 2007 at 21:02