Today is the fifth day of the Inaugural Conservative Movement Awards and nominations are sought for an awards category suggested by Matthew Sinclair - One-To-Watch.
We're not looking in this category for the best writer or best parliamentarian or best blogger but an individual or group or idea that could be influential in the coming months or year.
Yesterday we sought nominations for 'Local Hero' and weren't exactly overwhelmed with suggestions... That category and all categories are open until 10th May if inspiration strikes you!
Tomorrow - Saturday - nominations will open for Peter Franklin's 'Unlikely Ally' category...
If I understand the catergory properly I nominate the 'idea' of decentralised energy/micro generation. I think this will go from being what it is at the moment something people interested in energy policy know about to being something everyone knows about.
Posted by: free democrat | April 28, 2006 at 00:46
You have understood the category correctly, free democrat. Thanks.
Posted by: Editor | April 28, 2006 at 00:50
I know this seems backward, or narrow, or even 'yesterday's' one-to-watch, but I'd like to nominate the Cornerstone Group.
Yes, I know they're viewed as dinosaurs under the new era of David Cameron, but they continue to reflect and insist upon respect for religion and moral foundations, which resonate not only with Christians, but also Muslims and Sikhs and people of all faiths. We agree on far more than we differ. I know I'll be slated for this, but I think the group will become increasingly important as more and more Conservatives feel disenfranchised by the very big shifts being inflicted on us.
Posted by: Nadim | April 28, 2006 at 08:03
Editor, I'm puzzled as to how an 'idea' can win an award...
Who collects it?!
Free Democrat, isn't there an individual or group associated with 'decentralised energy/micro generation'? I don't even know what it is.
Posted by: Nadim | April 28, 2006 at 08:41
We'll cross that bridge if we come to it, Nadim, but I can stay in touch with free democrat for ideas. Your suggestion of Cornerstone is an intriguing one. Thanks.
Posted by: Editor | April 28, 2006 at 08:48
I nominate London MEP Syed Kamall - with the party soon to embark on the London mayoral candidate selection, his is a name I think/hope we will be hearing a lot more...
Posted by: Edward Lennox | April 28, 2006 at 11:18
How about the idea for a London Primary election? I think James Morris of Mind the Gap, a contributor to this site, was responsible for this.
Posted by: Rob L | April 28, 2006 at 11:30
Elected Police Chiefs.
Posted by: Edward | April 28, 2006 at 11:52
I like the idea of citizen's charters like in America suprisingly suggested by Jonathan Freedland in the Guardian yesterday for local decisions. It fits nicely into the idea of local empowerment and takes the process by which some towns have got Mayors a step further.
Posted by: Andrew M | April 28, 2006 at 14:46
Now, where have I heard Citizen's Charters before...!?!?
Posted by: Editor | April 28, 2006 at 15:06
He means Citizens Initiatives - an admirable idea, based on the Swiss model.
Posted by: Tory T | April 28, 2006 at 16:24
Whilst I await the Guardian's call (see today's story "In Search of Selsdon Man), I nominate the principled and energetic Philip Davis MP. Naturally, I also support Edward Lennox's nomination of my old friend Syed Kamall MEP.
Posted by: Selsdon Man | April 28, 2006 at 16:50
Sorry, I'm confused here. I thought this category wasn't about parliamentarians - because they have their own category? Blogging will have a massively increasing influence, but that is also excluded here.
To be honest, I'm also not sure if this award has to be 'positive' - I mean, I think the work of the 'Ethnic Diversity Council' will be increasingly influential over the coming months, and some may think this a good thing. But are we recognising simply 'imminent influence' or 'influence for good'?
Can we nominate MPs 'to watch'?
Posted by: Nadim | April 28, 2006 at 18:41
Bloggers and parliamentarians etc aren't excluded Nadim but we're looking in this category for bloggers or parliamentarians or whoevers/ whatevers "to watch" - not necessarily the current "best". Sorry if I wasn't clear.
Posted by: Editor | April 28, 2006 at 18:46
I read the directions as excluding parliamentarians etc. I would therefore like to retract my previous nomination.
Instead, please consider Douglas Carswell.
He is virtually unknown, but is a shrewd politician, has integrity and is Conservative to the core. I look forward to him confronting something that really annoys him.
Posted by: Nadim | April 28, 2006 at 19:06
Douglas Carswell won't be heading to the frontbench for a while at least, he was one of the few MPs to endorse withdrawal from the EU.
Posted by: Deputy Editor | April 28, 2006 at 19:25
Who said 'one to watch' had to include those who toe the line?!
I don't agree with this EU-withdrawal group, but I do admire independence of mind in the present climate of bland homogeneity. Candidates now have to conform to so many criteria, there will be little chance of independent spirits ever making it.
Posted by: Nadim | April 28, 2006 at 20:40
I would like to nominate Jonathan Sheppard and his Tory Radio Project.
I think this project offers an opportunity for Conservatives to sell their ideas more effectively, especially to the internet/ipod generation.
Already we have seen some effective and enjoyable interviews and I think in the coming year Jonathan and the Radio Station could increasing influence.
Best wishes to him.
Posted by: James M | April 28, 2006 at 21:37
My apologies - the last line should read:
"...the Radio Station could have increasing influence."
Thanks
Posted by: James M | April 28, 2006 at 21:39
ToryRadio certainly deserves an award. It is very enjoyable and essential listening.
As noted before, once it is availabe in English too, I am sure it will grow exponentially. :-)
Posted by: Chad | April 28, 2006 at 21:53
Owen Paterson ... IDS's former PPS.
Posted by: Richard North | April 28, 2006 at 22:42
Why Richard?
Posted by: Editor | April 28, 2006 at 22:45
TaxPayers Alliance is definitely worth following over the next 12 months. The agenda is going to shift, and it looks as if they'll be doing the shifting.
Posted by: William Norton | May 02, 2006 at 10:35
I think Priti Patel will be a rising star over coming years in this country and probably ultimately a Conservative Prime Minister - she's media savvy and has the vision thing.
The continued growth of non governmental public spirited communities largely internet based such as the Open Source movement and open intellectual forums such as Wikipedia, this means largely the end for state involvement in funding of culture.
Beginnings of a mass movement against free state funded Education and Healthcare in favour of use of state loans at low interest increasingly - people will get sick of high taxation and poor public services whether under Labour or Conservative governments.
Also moves towards harder crackdowns on terrorists and other criminals, a reaction against the rights culture and in favour of doing whatever is neccessary to ensure the National Security and establish civil order.
Posted by: Yet Another Anon | May 02, 2006 at 10:59
Michael Gove - highly talented, very Cameroon.
David Burrowes - a highly talented MP and one to watch. Respected by both his colleagues and those opposite for being a man of conviction but also having time for everyone and anyone - this will serve him well in politics.
The idea of the Conservative Party being part of the voluntary sector and seeing this acted out.
The promotion of social enterprise and applying Conservative beliefs in localised social action projects.
An emphasis on relational politics and it is for this reason that the state has failed on so many issues and why the private sector and charities are succeeding.
Posted by: Dom Llewellyn | May 03, 2006 at 14:23