It's been a good week for Tory bloggers and the willingness of the Conservative Party to engage with us. ToryRadio has formally launched with an interview with Party Vice-Chairman Grant Shapps. Grant is responsible for e-campaigning so it was a good first interview for the man behind ToryRadio - the recently-married Jonathan Sheppard.
Yesterday CCHQ gave ConservativeHome a scoop on Chishti - The Movie and this morning David Cameron has written exclusively for ConservativeHome about his first 100 days. Earlier this week a senior official at CCHQ gave me a briefing on the forthcoming local elections (about which I intend to post very shortly). It was the first of a number of outreach initiatives to bloggers and the wider 'Tory web community' organised by Francis Maude. Some of the Tory Chairman's critics might like to remember that when they next vote in the ConservativeHome Members' Panel! The US Republican and Democrat parties already organise regular briefings for online members of the conservative movement.
If you are a blogger or run a non-party website that engages with political issues and would like to be included in Francis Maude's blogger briefings please email me at tim@conservativehome.com.
At last the 'silent majority' can have their say!
Posted by: Patsy Sergeant | March 16, 2006 at 11:40
Its very good to see Conservativehome getting more and more recognition from CCHQ. Well done Ed.
Posted by: Rob Largan | March 16, 2006 at 12:17
"Its very good to see Conservativehome getting more and more recognition from CCHQ. Well done Ed."
Agreed. But also staying independent and a candid friend. Well done Tim, you're doing sterling work.
Posted by: Tom Greeves | March 16, 2006 at 13:30
yeah, well done editor.
Posted by: spagbob | March 16, 2006 at 13:32
Yes, well done.
Posted by: Michael McGowan | March 16, 2006 at 14:09
Absolutely - just seen in my inbox, after reading this post, that CCHQ have even emailed a link to their Cameron supporter list...
Posted by: Edward | March 16, 2006 at 15:22
This is excellent news, well done.
But, be warned! To paraphrase a famous proverb:
"Influence corrupts. Absolute influence corrupts absolutely!"
Maybe we'll be allowed to write the next manifesto?!
Posted by: Richard | March 16, 2006 at 15:31
Congratulations Tim. The fact that CCHQ are recognising and supporting you whilst also listening to what we're saying is amazing. Who would have thought this when ConservativeHome started?! Also, would we have seen such branching out under David Davis? I wonder... Well done Tim!
Posted by: Dominic Llewellyn | March 16, 2006 at 15:44
Just a word of warning, Tim. Take care that this CCHQ affection is not just the very Blairite strategy of hugging you closer so that it's easier to stab you in the back.
Posted by: Michael McGowan | March 16, 2006 at 17:13
Tim, you're doing a great job.
Challenging and supporting CCHQ as an honest (but when necessary critical) friend is the way to continue.
Posted by: Old Hack | March 16, 2006 at 19:02
Thanks for flagging Tory Radio up Tim. The party - including people like Grant Shapps really are starting to see the benefits of a grass roots movement, and the use of modern technology.
Posted by: Jonathan Sheppard | March 17, 2006 at 22:21