The nominations for the National Convention's elected positions have been finalised. Successful nominees also sit on the Party Board ex officio.
Current Chairman Don Porter CBE, a Deputy Chairman of the Party and former President of the Convention, has for the second time been the only person to apply for the Chairmanship and has therefore been reselected by default.
The Presidency of the Convention was again uncontested, this time with Simon Mort - a Vice President this year - being automatically selected. There are four nominees for the three Vice Presidential positions: Charles Barwell, Jeremy Middleton, Emma Pidding and Richard Robinson, a regular contributor to ConservativeHome. Ballots will be sent out this week and there will be a hustings at the Convention's AGM held at Spring Forum. The only other time the Convention meets is at the main Party conference.
This year's National Convention, which amongst others, includes 625 Association Chairman, approximately 150 regional representatives, 42 members nominated by Conservative Future (myself being one), and sitting members of the Party Board.
The continued lack of interest in leading the Convention, the body that "provides a focus for views of Party members and acts as a link between the Party Leader and its members", and therefore in sitting on the Party Board, "the ultimate decision making body of the Conservative Party", is very disappointing.
ConservativeHome will ask the four candidates a 2007 version of Derek Tipp's six questions. Scroll down towards the bottom of ToryDiary's Party Democracy and Membership category for several posts on last year's elections.
What would you like to ask the prospective Vice Presidents this year?
Deputy Editor
Good luck to Jeremy Middleton - I don't know anything about his politics, but he is the only person to regularly 'report back' to Assn. chairman. From what I understand, he also does a marvellous job flying the flag up in the North East - arguably one of the most challenging areas in the UK for the Conservatives.
Posted by: Justin Hinchcliffe | February 26, 2007 at 16:22
I wonder if you'll get lots of posts in favour of Emma Pidding this year!
Posted by: malcolm | February 26, 2007 at 16:37
Well my vote will go to Richard Robinson. Great guy. Would be a real asset to the board.
Great to see Don as Chairman yet again.
Posted by: James Cutts | February 26, 2007 at 17:01
Many congratulations to Don Porter.
For the convention, good luck to Richard Robinson and Emma Pidding. Two superb candidates with a a long and established record of campaigning and supporting the grassroots of the Party.
Posted by: Greg Smith | February 26, 2007 at 17:10
James Cutts: you have three votes!!!!
Posted by: Justin Hinchcliffe | February 26, 2007 at 17:19
Emma Pidding, on this site, declared her support for Michael Howard's proposal to take away the members' vote in the leadership election. Shame on her!
Posted by: thatcherite | February 26, 2007 at 17:41
Many congratulations to Don Porter, always good to see someone from Macclesfield in a senior position!
Also good luck to Richard Robinson who would be a real asset to the board. The only candidate who has been up to help out in Pendle!
Posted by: Cllr Andrew Stephenson | February 26, 2007 at 17:42
Emma Pidding and Jeremy for VP....simply the best two.
Posted by: LJ | February 26, 2007 at 19:14
Suggested questions:
What did the National Convention achieve in the last 12 months? What will you make it do in the next?
Posted by: Graeme Archer | February 26, 2007 at 19:35
With 4 excellent candidates for 3 positions, unfortunately there has to be one person who will be disappointed. I just hope its not Charles Barwell.
Charles works tirelessly for the Party and even came to Colne Valley to support me in 2005. His commitment to turn the Midlands 'blue' is beyond doubt and I am sure his work ethos will benefit and be a great asset the Party as a Board Member.
Posted by: Maggie Throup | February 26, 2007 at 20:24
For Vice President.....
Emma Pidding
Jeremy Middleton
Charles Barwell
Richard, sorry you just don’t cut the mustard, you seem to be just talking around some issues in your web site... In my view I don’t think you have any idea about how you will go about achieving your pledges.
Posted by: GF | February 26, 2007 at 20:44
I agree with Maggie. Charles is one of the best people I can think of for this job. He is tireless in his efforts and absolutely dedicated to the Party. His experience in business and fresh approach will benefit the board tremendously.
Posted by: Anon | February 26, 2007 at 20:46
I have to say that I only really know anything of two of the candidates- Emma Pidding and Charles Barwell. They both seem well suited to the role and would bring varying, yet useful, qualities to the role. Good luck to both of them!
Posted by: Anonymous | February 26, 2007 at 20:59
I'm sure that the best candidates for VP would be Charles Barwell, Emma Pidding and Jeremy Middleton
Posted by: toryabc | February 26, 2007 at 23:04
Jeremy Middleton has been putting a great deal of useful work into the Membership Committee over the last year - he has the equivalent of several Everests to climb, but he keeps going, and somehow keeps his temper.
Posted by: sjm | February 27, 2007 at 00:41
I agree with the Deputy Editor - the lack of interest in running for positions is disappointing. The solution to me would be to hold the vote for National Convention at the Party Conference.
Also, does the National Convention vote factionalise? Do National Convention delegates caucus and vote as a bloc and follow a ticket? If so, what is the basis of the factional divide?
If there are 625 constituency chairmen making up the bulk of the vote, and I wanted to make sure I had the numbers, I'd make sure I had some friendly Scots on side, and get them to take on chairmanships for non-existent associations in hard-luck seats in the Central Belt, just to get the vote for Convention.
Posted by: Alexander Drake | February 27, 2007 at 01:04
One of my votes will certainly go to Charles Barwell. He was an exceptional Area officer during the last election - He brought in troops of new younger helpers, gave wise advice, and we had a laugh or too as well. Charles works tirelessly for the party. Since the 2005 election Charles has continued to put the issues of all the Cities north of London firmly on the Conservative Map. To win the next General Election we need to win a belt of seats across the Midlands and northwards. It is about time the Midlands were firmly represented on the Board and Charles is the man to do it.
Posted by: Vicky Ford | February 27, 2007 at 10:42
It seems from the comments above that all four candidates are of high standard. The difficulty for members of the Convention is that they know some of the candidates better than others, as they are from different regions. People will tend to vote for those from their own regions all things being equal.
Posted by: Derek | February 27, 2007 at 12:03
Richard Robinson has so much experience at all levels of the party. A YC from 1968 through to today - a lifetime of service to the Party.
In addition to his tireless work with local Associations, Richard has been very supportive of Conservative Future in the South-East where he is Deputy Regional Chairman.
To quote Richard, "Grassroots party members deserve a strong voice on the Board of the Party." Richard would be this strong voice as Vice-President of the Convention and, without hesitation, has my support.
Posted by: Ranil Jayawardena | February 27, 2007 at 14:10
I think Richard in my opinion will be a disaster. Says the right thing, but does the opposite.
Posted by: anon | February 27, 2007 at 15:20
Deputy Editor, any reason you took off the National Convention List off the site??? were you breaking any laws? and finally who passed it on to you?
Posted by: VJ | February 27, 2007 at 15:22
Emma Pidding and Jeremy Middleton for Vice President! I will consider Charles.
Definitely NOT Richard, as in my opinion he just wants to get on the band wagon.
Posted by: Anon | February 27, 2007 at 15:49
Emma Pidding Jeremy Middleton and Charles B for Vice President.
As for Richard, I really dont think so, what a disater that will be.
Posted by: Killer | February 27, 2007 at 16:27
VJ: We took the list off after an indirect request from CCHQ.
Posted by: Editor | February 27, 2007 at 16:59
I have seen Jeremy, Emma and Charles in action and have been very impressed with the vigour they have put into everything they have done. I am particularly keen to seen Charles elected as we have worked together on a number of initatives and I believe his broad vision and great drive is exactly what is required.
Posted by: Kulveer Ranger | February 27, 2007 at 17:01
Jeremy Middleton to Vice President, all others I dont know about.
Posted by: D Randell | February 27, 2007 at 17:03
Congratulations to Don and Simon on being elected unopposed to their respective positions. Best of luck to Richard Robinson and Emma Pidding in the elections for the Party Board. Emma has served with distinction over the past year and Richard has been an outstanding team-player in the South East region over many years. Both deserve to win. Good luck!
Posted by: Nirj Deva DL MEP | February 27, 2007 at 17:44
Sadly, I don't have a vote, but if I did I'd be voting for Jeremy Middleton and Richard Robinson. Both of them have been extremely supportive of CF and would continue to be so on the Board.
Posted by: Mike Ruppert | February 27, 2007 at 17:53
Jeremy for Vice President.
Posted by: PO | February 27, 2007 at 20:12
Jeremy Middleton & Emma Pidding defenitely get my vote.
Posted by: Tony Blair | February 27, 2007 at 20:25
My vote goes to Emma Pidding & Jeremy Middleton. We seem to have some excellent new candidates in Charles Barwell and Richard. I wish them well.
Posted by: C J Coomber | February 27, 2007 at 21:17