Ken Clarke and Liam Fox get a web-start

Today's FT reports that David Cameron and David Davis are both due to officially launch their leadership campaigns next Thursday.  We have known, of course, for many months that both men want to be Tory leader and their official launches are, therefore, something of a formality.   The nature of the launch does give a clue to the candidate's ambitions, however, and the strength of his candidacy.  Ken Clarke's launch in The Daily Mail electrified the contest and Liam Fox's decision to formally announce his leadership bid at a centre for people with mental health problems was an emblem of his compassionate conservatism.

The decisions of Dr Fox and Ken Clarke to launch early have given their campaigns one big advantage that few have noticed.  Both have been running websites (here and here) and have been gathering email lists of supporters.  By the time the two Davids launch their campaigns and the accompanying websites the Clarke and Fox campaigns will have three and four week headstarts.  In a campaign that may be decided by grassroots members that is quite an advantage.  The Clarke and Fox campaigns have had time to direct tailored information about their campaigns across the country and build up a network of advocates in target constituencies.  I have had a taste of Ken Clarke's reach with my work at the Centre for Social Justice.  Mr Clarke is speaking to the CSJ this evening and his campaign kindly helped us raise an audience.  Within 24 hours more than 150 people had accepted our very last minute invitation.  I have never helped to organise a Tory event which has so easily and quickly attracted such numbers.  That 150 people signed up so readily is a tribute to Mr Clarke's 'box office' appeal and his campaign's organisation.  If we had had more time I am sure the numbers would have far exceeded that 150 tally.

When the DD and DC campaigns launch I'll be looking to see a sophistication in the way they organise their supporters that might allow them to neutralise their opponents' 'web-start'.

Comments

[Selsdon Man]

It is not just web sites that count - personally meeting the grassroots is equally important. They need to feel wanted and to be motivated to donate money to tackle the Party's huge debts.

By the way, I see that the Cornerstone Group is meeting Michael Ancram to see if he will stand as its candidate. That would be a terrible blow to Dr Fox.

[James Hellyer]

I don't believe that story for a second, Selsdon. While Michael Ancram has a lot in copmmon with Cornerstone, he simply does not have the support, either in parliament or the country, to be a serious challenger. 2001 illustrates that.

Like the mooted Leigh candidacy, all supporting a new candidate now would achieve is to ensure that Cornerstone and their views were sidelined.

[James Hellyer]

In terms of personally meeting the grassroots, Dr Fox has the advantage of the work he put into marginal target seats during the election. He has the disadvantage thathe's been doing his job, which has meant he's overseas a lot of the time.

[Wat Tyler]

Yes...the Doc's website is particularly slick. Although personally, I don't like the way you can't turn off his supporters as they harangue you from the screen...or maybe I'm just being techno-dense.

But a network of advocates sounds good...haven't seen any round our way though.

And Tim...if you ever want to assemble another audience for the CSJ- or anything else- I'd be there. And I'm very housetrained. Honest.

PS Remember Nick Winterton- now 46 on my count.

[malcolm]

I would be very interested to be in the audience for the CSJ and would be grateful if you could let me know about future events.

[Editor]

I'll add you to the list of CSJ invitees, Malcolm.

[Wat Tyler]

Ed- hey...what about me?

[James Hellyer]

You can sit in the corner, Way. Have a pointed hat.

[Wat Tyler]

Wat Way is that to treat a friend?

[malcolm]

Thanks Ed.It will be good to me you all,even the bloke in corner with the pointy hat!

[James Hellyer]

"Wat Way is that to treat a friend?"

One that shows the poor typing skills one learned as product of a modern comprehensive school!

[Disraeli]

It wouldn't surprise me in the slightest if Ancram stood. It was the talk of the Red Lion and other pubs frequented by press men and politicos last night apparently. He certainly has a high enough opinion of himself to stand.

"It was the talk of the Red Lion and other pubs frequented by press men and politicos last night apparently"

So it was just pub gossip.

[Daniel Vince-Archer]

Ancram would be more credible than Leigh as the Cornerstone candidate but would still stand no chance of becoming leader.