Francis Maude has given ToryRadio another extensive interview, answering questions asked on ConservativeHome. Click here to listen to it or read the brief summary below.
Lessons from Bromley
We were out-campaigned, we need to be hungrier and will do things differently in the future. David Cameron should have been used more.
Tooling up
Spoke of setting up a TA-like unit (Territorial Army) which will consist of volunteers who take out time for by-election campaigning. Asked ToryRadio and ConservativeHome punters if they would like to join this crack campaigning team.
Blogger spot
Bloggers can push the envelope more. Wants them to come out of the shadows and join the bloggers' corner at party conference. He also said Guido was welcome, denying allegations to the contrary.
Party funding
Didn't close the door on the idea of more taxpayer's subsidy to political parties, but was personally reluctant to support it. Priority is reviving party at the grassroots on the ground.
A-list
Doesn't expect to have next tranche until well into August. Learnt a lot from the process which has by and large gone well so far.
EPP
Believes it is right to leave the grouping but also to form the right kind of new one. Would have already formed it if the Czechs hadn't asked for a delay.
Attitude of CCHQ
Strong sense of direction and strategy. Need to be flexible but have a clear view of how we want to be portrayed and what our vision for Britain is. Don't have everything worked out however, just trying to do our best to get a Conservative government.
Challenge the Chairman
"Old Hack" asked if this was merely "a Maude PR exercise". Francis said he should take a chill pill and lie down for a bit.
You don't see the chairmen of other parties holding themselves accountable in this way, it is worth listening to this interview in full (if only to hear Jonathan Sheppard's A Team ending to the show!).
Deputy Editor
