“No-one had a pop at her”, I’m told – but equally her answers don’t seem to have won round the assembled Association officers.
Four fifths of our panel remain opposed to her leadership, but within that group there has been a significant hardening of attitudes.
Plus: the postponed selection processes in Darlington and Wirral West have been restarted. And: Ryan Henson selected in Bedford.
Numbers applying for target seats are down across the board. At least one Tory association has refused to shortlist, and demanded applications be reopened.
Sitting councillors and aspirant candidates alike have been irritated and offended by the new process.
The excuse is always that there aren’t enough beds in other places. How come Labour goes to Brighton, then?
The legacy of past disorganisation in our Party’s machine even affects those at the top.
A national membership system is a good start, but it must be accompanied by pro-active engagement from local associations.
Over the last decade our activists, supporters and members have become a distant feature of an increasing centralised Party machine – remote, distant and out of touch.
Several ConservativeHome contributors are among those who have made the final round in the two target seats
Inside the ERG’s Brexit plans. Why Rees-Mogg doesn’t believe the hype about ‘Blue Wave’ entryism. Plus: how he spent his summer.
A focused and accountable drive to build the grassroots is required. It can be done, but it requires difficult questions and honest answers.
A former UKIP candidate has been rejected by the Mid-Ulster Conservatives. Why?
It has not automatically turned away previous UKIPers. Lewis’ local Association has absorbed seven former purple councillors.
I am deeply disappointed by the path that the Prime Minister has chosen. It seems to be the very opposite of what the British people voted for.