ConservativeHome's Seats & Candidates blog

Roger Evans answers your questions about getting selected

On Saturday Roger Evans sought your 'getting selected questions'. He answers them below.

There were several interesting questions raised in response to my first on line selection surgery. Some of them were asked more than once, demonstrating that candidates often face the same problems – talking to each other is a big step towards resolving them.

Should I be truthful about my views? What if my chances may be harmed?

Handling questions about Heathrow expansion in a nearby constituency was one example. You should always be honest. If you make a promise to fight an important local campaign then betray it after you get selected, you are likely to have a very bad relationship with your volunteers, and probably get some bad publicity.

Another example was moving to the constituency. If you aren’t able to make the commitment you should be honest about it, or be prepared to be taken to task for your bad faith. Volunteers are unlikely to work with a dishonest candidate.

Having been straight with the selectors, you should go on to sweeten the pill by explaining your reasons, and how you plan to compensate for your decision. 

Should I take my same sex partner to the selection?

Yes, if they will help you to win! The days when candidates felt they had to present their other half for inspection are long gone, however a confident partner – of either sex – can help you cover more ground if you have to go through a ‘death by canapes’ meet the members event. Obviously you shouldn’t inflict this on your partner if they are uncomfortable with the prospect, or if they are likely to pick arguments. And there is no point in parading them on stage for the formal interview session.

The ConservativeHome Selection Surgery with Roger Evans

London Assembly Member Roger Evans provides coaching and advice to prospective candidates.  In this post he's seeking the questions you'd like him to answer on 'getting selected'.

"With the latest tranche of Parliamentary seats soon to be up for grabs, hopeful candidates will once again face the ordeal of constituency selection panels. Why will a few clear this hurdle seemingly without effort whilst many others struggle?

I have been coaching candidates on speech design and question handling at interviews, for over two years. Of around 25 people I have worked with, 18 have so far been successful in their quest for a seat and others have hugely improved their performance.

I help candidates to recognise common pitfalls, cut the waffle, build a rapport and ensure that their messages stick in the minds of selectors. Building confidence, standing out from the crowd and learning from mistakes are critical to success.

I recently provided some generic advice for councillors wanting to make the leap to Westminster, here on ConservativeHome. But I recognise that many candidates come from beyond local government, so now I’m offering to help out all comers. Ask me your toughest selection questions and I will give you my opinion and best advice on how to deal with them and win."

PLEASE LEAVE YOUR QUESTIONS IN THE THREAD BELOW AND ROGER WILL ANSWER THEM SOON.

Question ideas: How should I use humour? Should I ask for their votes and if so how? How much preparation do I need?