Election Manifesto

CF Area Chairman (Staffordshire) Manifesto for Owen Meredith
(September 2006)

Having been in the job a little under 12 months, I see this as a good time to reflect on where we are, where we have come from, and where we are going.

This job isn't about me, it is about getting the right person to deliver for Staffordshire, progress the Conservative Party and help rather than hinder CF branches. But I'm hoping that is what I have done, and what you will trust me to do in the future.

Last year, when I took over, it felt like I was working from nothing, CF was pretty inactive except in local pockets, nobody outside of CF seemed to know about us, and there was no network between branches, let alone Associations.

I wanted and promised to get CF branches to be closely involved with their local Associations and work with them to develop new election strategy. I think this has really started happening. In Tamworth, Newcastle and Stafford CF and the Associations are working together, and working well.

I promised to raise the profile of the Party and CF across Staffordshire. This is a hard task, that needs a lot of ground work and time commitment. I've begun to do this, working with local newspapers, writing press releases and letters, as well as networking both within the Party and associated groups. It certainly seems to be making a difference. As I come to the end of this term in office I very rarely have to explain what CF is, or what we do anymore within the Party in Staffordshire.

Staffordshire had a baser level membership and 3 branches when I took over. I'm pleased to say our membership is up across the country, more than doubled, and is also more active. Sadly I can't yet officially say the same for the branches, we have new branches in Moorlands, South Staffordshire and Stone - as well as some others in development. But all these branches need more support and more time that I have not yet been able to commit. If re-elected I will help get the branches up and running properly and successfully.

I think the greatest achievement in where we are, and where we have come from is The First Staffordshire Summer Ball, hosted by CF in June 2006. This was a key part of my manifesto last year, and will remain so this year. The event was a great success, not only raising money for CF, but bringing new people in to see what CF can be like, raising our profile, and delivering a message. Most of all it showed how CF can have fun, and lead the party as well as the Party.

What else has happened? The website (www.staffordshirecf.co.uk) has been up-and-running for nearly a year now, and local branches all own a similar domain e.g. newcastlecf.co.uk, stonecf.co.uk, We have raised nearly £1000 over the year, with the summer ball, and website advertising revenue. All being ploughed back into the Party and CF, A network and mailing list now exists of most Conservative Party Councillors, Officers and CF members in Staffordshire. We have a bi-annual newsletter to all members.

Ok, that's what's happened, and happening - But Where are we going?..... That is up to you! I obviously want more members, more branches and more activity - But I can't do it alone! CF is about teamwork, and bringing people together. I will continue to support the growth of CF from is local bases, as well as specifically opening up events to new and prospective members to come alone and see what we do.

My Key Objectives for the next year:

Hold my seat as a co-opted member of Staffordshire Area Management Committee.
Closely link CF branches with local Associations.
I will continue championing CF involvement in Association campaigns
Continue to have regular press releases – to raise the profile of the Conservatives in Staffordshire.
Support Branches in their own ideas, not dictate how things should be run.
Host The Second Staffordshire Summer Ball, on Friday June 1st 2007. Opening the event to old, new and prospective members alike.
Work to establish new branches where possible, specifically in target constituencies.

I hope I can count on your support for my agenda, and your vote in the election for Staffordshire Area Chairman.

Last year ballot papers were not received by all members. This year ballot papers are being dispatched on August 21st. If you have not received your by the end of August, please contact Roger Pratt (roger.pratt@conservatives.com).

Thanks,