Since leaving Boris Johnson's team James McGrath has spent a great deal of time in the Maldives - helping with their elections as campaign coordinator. His hard work might be about to pay off.
Early returns suggest that the thirty year rule of President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom may be about to end. Mohamed "Anni" Nasheed - a man who Gayoom once imprisoned and was championed by Amnesty International as a prisoner of conscience - may beat him in the run-off election results expected soon.
It will not just be a victory for human rights - and another confirmation that Islam is compatible with democracy - but also an encouragement to the many UK Conservatives who have played roles in building the democratic opposition. CentreRight's John Glen was out there recently with Lord Bates. Gary Streeter MP, Francis Maude MP, PPC Karen Lumley and many others have all offered campaigning and policy advice. And all coordinated by the fantastic Philippa Broom of CCHQ's international office.
