ConservativeHome has twenty tickets for a special event in Hammersmith at 6.30pm this Wednesday night.
The event - to be co-hosted with ConservativeHome and to be attended by David Cameron - will be a discussion of the Conservative Party's Built To Last document (the new statement of Conservative principles and values).
It will be open to the media.
If you would like to attend and raise questions about the selection of representative candidates, how our public services are run and economic stability versus tax cuts please email [email protected].
Tim,
I, like many, would challenge the idea that tax cuts are mutually incompatiable with economic stability.
Please lets not allow this - dangerous - narrative get as firmly established as the investment/goverment spending misconception has.
Posted by: Alex | May 15, 2006 at 17:46
How much will you pay us?
Posted by: Richard North | May 15, 2006 at 17:46
Another London event. Suprise suprise.
Posted by: Chris Palmer | May 15, 2006 at 18:11
I would love to go, however its too short a notice for me to get to London in time - plus I have too much uni work to do anyway! I am sure I have a question about the A-List so if I think of something I'll come back, right now essay writing calls...
Posted by: Voice from the South West | May 15, 2006 at 18:17
Is that a chip I can see on the shoulder of Chris Palmer?
Posted by: CDM | May 15, 2006 at 18:48
I would love to attend and use my free travel pass (courtesy of Gordon Brown), but I think it may clash with Eastenders which the BBC will have cunningly arranged to be broadcast at the same time. Give Dave my love and I hope he gets well soon (is Norman Tebbit going?) All joking apart I wish him well and I only hope I will be given some reason to vote for him at the next GE. We await in anticipation.
Posted by: Dontmakemelaugh | May 15, 2006 at 18:52
Would love to come - but I live a couple of thousand miles away. Am in London at the weekend though - 'tis a shame it's mistimed, as I was looking for a political event to attend.
Posted by: AJD | May 15, 2006 at 18:55
I really want to be there, but its short notice and I am working that day.
Out of curiosity, whats the misconception with investment/government spending Alex?
Posted by: James Maskell | May 15, 2006 at 18:57
Living in Cornwall as I do London is just too far away, any chance DC will be around my neck of the woods any time soon? Although seeing as London is now a hub of Conservative voters I understand why he chose to have a talk there!
Posted by: Gregor | May 15, 2006 at 19:29
I have just emailed Tim to point out an article in the Yorkshire Post re upping our profile which I think would be a productive thread. www.yorkshireposttoday.co.uk. page 11. by Barry White. "Tories chance as Northern Ice thaws." Check it out.
Posted by: Annabel Herriott | May 15, 2006 at 19:49
It's the Champions League final on Wednesday.
Will you still be pressing for the B2L vote to be dropped Tim?
Posted by: Chad | May 15, 2006 at 19:50
I shall be up in London on Wednesday, as it happens, taking my 3 children to see PMQs. (Boy, do I know how to give them a good time - Alton Towers eat your heart out!) Would like to have heard DC, but last train we can sensibly get back from Paddington leaves at 18.15.
Talking of Alton Towers, Blair is now just about strapped in to Oblivion ...
Posted by: Richard Weatherill | May 15, 2006 at 19:52
Richard, how old are your 3 children? My parents never took me to parliament, thogh I've been lucky enough to go a couple of times with school, though sadly the house wasn't in session.
Tim, which other top Tory faces are being expected to speak?
Posted by: Chris | May 15, 2006 at 20:05
Chris,
14, 11 and 9. There is, surprisingly, no lower age limit, although the youngest is perhaps a bit too young. My eldest lad visited the European Parliament when he was 12 and even claims to have enjoyed it. (Mind you, Phil Bradbourn MEP did treat us to a pretty good lunch!)
Posted by: Richard Weatherill | May 15, 2006 at 20:17
If anyone can't make Wednesday evening, but would like to see John Redwood instead on Saturday, then you are more than welcome to come along. Details on this link
Posted by: Derek | May 15, 2006 at 21:39
Dammit! Cant they organise it for a Monday or Tuesday??? Working all day Saturday...
Posted by: James Maskell | May 15, 2006 at 21:55
I would normally have leapt at the chance - but on the same evening there is a very important footie match going on - and I shall be in a pub in Highbury somewhere cheering on the mighty Gooners.
Posted by: Martin Curtis | May 15, 2006 at 22:07
Where's Hammersmith?
Posted by: JP | May 15, 2006 at 22:35
JP, its next to kensington, in the west of London. You can get there on the Hammersmith and City line from Kings Cross if you are coming in by train.
Posted by: Chris | May 15, 2006 at 22:43
Would love to come along and take part, but we've got a local government by-election here on Thursday, so I am planning on being a little tied up on Wednesday night!
Posted by: Richard Carey | May 15, 2006 at 22:59
Chris and others: This Hammersmith event, I understand, is the first of a number of events about Built To Last. There will be a number of events around the country... so you won't miss out on your chance to have your say... I'll liaise with CCHQ about promoting those events on ConservativeHome's events blog.
Posted by: Editor | May 16, 2006 at 06:51
Hi Tim,
Has ConservativeHome now dropped its campaign against the BuiltToLast vote?
Posted by: Chad | May 16, 2006 at 08:18
I am assured, Chad, that the party is open to amending the document and I think these discussions are therefore useful. I am still not persuaded of the value of an expensive nationwide ballot on the document.
Posted by: Editor | May 16, 2006 at 09:41
Thanks for the update Tim.
Obviously I'm not eligible to vote now, but the most confusing and annoying part of B2L (for me) is that the document on which members will be asked to vote you may agree with (and thus vote in favour) but the party in policy terms might be heading in a different direction.
For example, I completely agree with the aim in B2L that sexual equality comes from empowering communities not expecting fairness to be guaranteed centrally, but the a-list is doing the latter.
So how do you register an a-list protest vote when the document does not reflect the reality?
Posted by: Chad | May 16, 2006 at 10:04
So how do you register an a-list protest vote when the document does not reflect the reality?
Join the party and register your disapproval, I'd say :)
Posted by: Deputy Editor | May 16, 2006 at 10:23
Join the party and register your disapproval, I'd say :)
LoL.
And also, with the all new green focus, shouldn't it be called 'Built To Biodegrade'? :-)
Posted by: Chad | May 16, 2006 at 11:11
Great news - I see Prezza is due to answer questions on his, er, 'responsibilities' immediately before PMQs tomorrow. Can't wait!
Posted by: Richard Weatherill | May 16, 2006 at 11:59
Lasting is better than Degrading, don't you think?
Posted by: Iain MacKay | May 17, 2006 at 18:22