Garry Heath: Party members need to have their say in this leadership election
The Party needs to treat its members with respect and be a far more democratic in its structure.
The Party needs to treat its members with respect and be a far more democratic in its structure.
The 1922 Committee advised that the race end a week earlier.
The Executive also chose to reject proposals to extend the shortlist, or to require that it include a female candidate.
What must come first is the need to get on with Brexit in an orderly way. That requires a new Prime Minister and Cabinet quickly.
There is a strong case for appointing a new Party Chairman who is neutral between the contenders.
Roughly a quarter have confidence, and much the same proportion don’t know.
Our “Registered Supporter” scheme has enrolled 2,000 people; another example of how people are willing to commit, but not to join.
The latest iteration has good bits, some bad bits – and nothing substantial to boost ownership of the Party by its members.
Throughout our history, our party has been at its best and most successful when we have reformed when necessary.
They should be able to choose between four people rather than only two.
The current price of protection against Tea Party politics is the risk of Potemkin parties.
The Chairman’s letter promises “additional benefits to enhance the membership experience”. Wouldn’t it be most enhanced by members having a bigger say?
Associations may be wholly merged, rather than simply band together while maintaining control of their own resources.
A key issue is CCHQ’s plan to merge all Associations into larger federations.
Fear of the fate that is set to befall the Republicans – the same that befell Labour last year – is hobbling the prospects for the Feldman review.