Kulveer stood against Ian McCartney as PPC for Makerfield at the last general election. He is a senior management consultant, writes a weekly column for a national Asian newspaper and is happiest watching his beloved Tottenham Hotspur football team – especially last season!
There has been a lot of huffing and puffing with regard to the Conservative Party establishing what the media has christened an A-list of prospective parliamentary candidates. Each one of us has our own particular take on the subject and on the candidates who, after a rigorous review, have been identified as those who could lead the charge in key seats at the next general election. We realised that with the selection of David Cameron we advocated a modernising agenda. Well - it was either that or continue on a path that would lead to political oblivion for an increasingly marginalised party. We needed to catch up with and embody modern day Britain. But cometh the first real tangible test of our ‘change’ threshold and we long for the way things were.
It was never claimed or expected that those selected as priority candidates would be universally acclaimed and accepted by the broader membership, especially since there is always a healthy dose of suspicion in the grass roots whenever the central office ‘know-it-alls’ meddle in their selection process. Raised voices have been heard about the criteria for selection, the aptitude of those assessing and the judgement of the new leader who has instigated such a process.
But it was the membership that gave David Cameron his mandate to ‘change’ the party and is now basking in the glow of a ten point lead in the polls and the best local election results since 1992. Mr Cameron has been unflinching is his statements since becoming leader that he expects the ‘change’ within the party to be deeper and wider if it is to be considered genuine and accepted by those outside of the party. Crucially, those voices that have raised concerns have done so with little justification, accept that they are not happy with the names on the list. No opportunity has been given for the so called A-list to prove their worth or even demonstrate their capability. Yes, things have not gone smoothly. The process for applying for the first batch of seats has not gone according to plan. However, this does not mean that the concept is flawed, only that the execution needs to be better managed.
I am proud to say that I am a priority candidate. The gauntlet has been thrown down to me and my colleagues to demonstrate that we embody the spirit of the Conservative Party, not just that of the present ‘change’ agenda but also the core values that all Conservatives hold dear. Some of us may fall short of the mandatory twenty years political experience and some may not even be barristers! But each one of us believes in our ability and we must continue to demonstrate that we have the talent, the passion and the commitment to lead this party to success at the next general election and beyond. We are all determined and focused to ensure that local associations do not consider that they are choosing a priority candidate but the right candidate – the one they want! Associations can still select a ‘local’ candidate if he or she is the right person for the job.
The list is by no means a panacea. It will evolve and grow but I believe it has the potential to deliver what all party members what; a generation of candidates that will be central figures in the future of the Conservative party, the forming of the next government and capable of dealing with the fundamental challenges that our country will face. For my part I am ready, willing and able to represent my party, my constituency and my country.
If you want to respond to this message please note that comments left on this GoldList blog will only be published after they have been checked by the Editor or Deputy Editor.
