conservativehome--2020-01-23--Henry Hill: Johnson to spearhead pro-Union strategy with more visits to Scotland

Prime Minister plans more and longer visits north of the border “ Scots are set to see a lot more of Boris Johnson in 2020 as the Prime Minister seeks to strengthen the Union and up the UK Government ’ s involvement in Scotland ” , according to the Herald .
Apparently Boris Johnson is planning on holding more Cabinet meetings north of the border , as well as making more visits and overnight stays , as part of his new and self-appointed role as Minister for the Union .
According to one source that spoke to the paper , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Government ’ s main domestic missions after January 31 .
The regular visits serve two purposes .
First , it is apparently hoped that Scots will warm to the Prime Minister if they see more of him , rather than merely the version of him that filters down through a broadly hostile political and media class .
Second , they aim to make Scotland appear a normal part of the prime-ministerial beat , rather than gifting the SNP the optics of such jaunts looking like official visits from a foreign potentate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This will apparently fit into a broader effort to deliver a much more joined-up “ constitutional strategy ” for the Union than has previously been the case , combating a ‘ silo mentality ’ which has seen individual Whitehall departments operating in isolation .
It will apparently also involve the British Government backing ( and branding ) more things such as infrastructure projects so that the tangible benefits of the Union are more apparent on the ground .
Hopefully this close material engagement will be matched by equally vigorous intellectual engagement with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote for The Critic this week , Johnson needs to wrest the thought-leadership of unionism away from the die-hard devolutionaries lest he end up defaulting to their non-solutions when the crunch comes , as David Cameron did .
One such figure is Gordon Brown , who popped up this week to insist that the key to keeping Scotland in the UK is yet more constitutional concessions to nationalist premises and the establishment of an elected senate .
The Northern Ireland Assembly is back , alas .
The various local parties might have almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them into returning ( the demands for even more money were almost immediate ) but too late , they ’ re committed for now .
With the initial will-they-won ’ t-theys disposed of , we now know that all five of the Province ’ s main parties – the pro-UK Demoratic Unionists and Ulster Unionists , the nationalist Sinn Fein and SDLP , and non-aligned Alliance – have taken up ministerial posts in the new Executive .
Yet this means that there will only be a grand total of five MLAs outside the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apiece for the Traditional Unionist Voice and People Before Profit ( both of which backed Leave , incidentally ) and Claire Sugden , an Independent Unionist .
Owen Polley has written in the News Letter about how much easier it will be for ministers to circle the wagons now that the UUP and SDLP are inside the tent , even as Sinn Fein and the DUP are already facing charges of returning to the two-party ‘ carve up ’ that prevailed prior to the Assembly ’ s collapse .
Meanwhile The Journal offers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defend Stormont ’ s lack of formal oppisition .
It looks as if the best that can be hoped for , for now , is that increased Treasury vigilance over how public money is spent in Ulster – especially as Arlene Foster braces for the official findings on the “ cash-for-ash ” scandal – can offset the lack of domestic scrutiny .
But with the Northern Irish Office obviously committed to not taking responsibility for the Province , it is not obvious that the Government will have the leverage necessary to drive change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In other news , the European Union has threatened to impose sanctions if Boris Johnson doesn ’ t enforce the internal border he has signed up to between Northern Ireland and the mainland , and Stormont ’ s finance minister is apparently not pursuing a cut in corporation tax .
Ever since losing their majority in the 2016 Holyrood elections , the Scottish Nationalists have passed their budgets with the assistance of their separatist allies , the Greens .
This has had the effect of dragging their economic policy somewhat leftwards , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drawn up an alternative .
Murdo Fraser , the Tories ’ shadow finance secretary , is talking up a return to something like the working arrangement that existed between the SNP and the Conservatives during the former ’ s first period of minority government after taking office in 2007 .
In exchange for sparing Scotland various “ madcap ” Green proposals , the Tories would instead press to keep Scottish taxes harmonised with those in the rest of the UK , as well as a review of business rates .
You can read @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it may well be that the Greens end up rowing in behind the SNP regardless – they have previously been criticised for putting separatism before their own environmental agenda when push comes to shove .
In other news , Michelle Ballantyne has confirmed that she is “ fighting to win ” in the Tory leadership race , despite having initially entered it to prevent a coronation .
This week in the SNP It ’ s been another fairly torrid week for the Nationalists .
First , Nicola Sturgeon has bowed to MSPs ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scottish education system .
Then an SNP MSP is under fire for refusing to represent constituents who oppose independence , whilst a former Nationalist minister has publicly argued that the First Minister could claim victory even in an unauthorised ‘ wildcat ’ referendum , arguing that the “ political reality ” would be independence even if the poll had been boycotted by unionists .
And there ’ s been a touch of sub-Stalinist history-editing over at the party ’ s official website , whose ‘ History ’ page no longer makes any reference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who took them into government in Edinburgh , secured the 2014 referendum , and led the ‘ Yes ’ campaign .
As good a sign as any of how the Nationalist leadership think his upcoming trial will go .

Prime Minister plans more and longer visits north of the border
“Scots are set to see a lot more of Boris Johnson in 2020 as the Prime Minister seeks to strengthen the Union and up the UK Government’s involvement in Scotland”, according to the Herald.
Apparently Boris Johnson is planning on holding more Cabinet meetings north of the border, as well as making more visits and overnight stays, as part of his new and self-appointed role as Minister for the Union. According to one source that spoke to the paper, strengthening the United Kingdom will be one of the Government’s main domestic missions after January 31.
The regular visits serve two purposes. First, it is apparently hoped that Scots will warm to the Prime Minister if they see more of him, rather than merely the version of him that filters down through a broadly hostile political and media class.
Second, they aim to make Scotland appear a normal part of the prime-ministerial beat, rather than gifting the SNP the optics of such jaunts looking like official visits from a foreign potentate or remote “governor general”.
This will apparently fit into a broader effort to deliver a much more joined-up “constitutional strategy” for the Union than has previously been the case, combating a ‘silo mentality’ which has seen individual Whitehall departments operating in isolation. It will apparently also involve the British Government backing (and branding) more things such as infrastructure projects so that the tangible benefits of the Union are more apparent on the ground.
Hopefully this close material engagement will be matched by equally vigorous intellectual engagement with the state of the Union. As I wrote for The Critic this week, Johnson needs to wrest the thought-leadership of unionism away from the die-hard devolutionaries lest he end up defaulting to their non-solutions when the crunch comes, as David Cameron did.
One such figure is Gordon Brown, who popped up this week to insist that the key to keeping Scotland in the UK is yet more constitutional concessions to nationalist premises and the establishment of an elected senate.
Spotlight on Stormont’s lack of opposition
The Northern Ireland Assembly is back, alas. The various local parties might have almost immediately accused Julian Smith of essentially tricking them into returning (the demands for even more money were almost immediate) but too late, they’re committed for now.
With the initial will-they-won’t-theys disposed of, we now know that all five of the Province’s main parties – the pro-UK Demoratic Unionists and Ulster Unionists, the nationalist Sinn Fein and SDLP, and non-aligned Alliance – have taken up ministerial posts in the new Executive.
Yet this means that there will only be a grand total of five MLAs outside the governing coalition: two Greens, one apiece for the Traditional Unionist Voice and People Before Profit (both of which backed Leave, incidentally) and Claire Sugden, an Independent Unionist.
Owen Polley has written in the News Letter about how much easier it will be for ministers to circle the wagons now that the UUP and SDLP are inside the tent, even as Sinn Fein and the DUP are already facing charges of returning to the two-party ‘carve up’ that prevailed prior to the Assembly’s collapse. Meanwhile The Journal offers a different perspective, quoting academics who defend Stormont’s lack of formal oppisition.
It looks as if the best that can be hoped for, for now, is that increased Treasury vigilance over how public money is spent in Ulster – especially as Arlene Foster braces for the official findings on the “cash-for-ash” scandal – can offset the lack of domestic scrutiny.
But with the Northern Irish Office obviously committed to not taking responsibility for the Province, it is not obvious that the Government will have the leverage necessary to drive change through risk-averse, pork-barrelling local leaders.
In other news, the European Union has threatened to impose sanctions if Boris Johnson doesn’t enforce the internal border he has signed up to between Northern Ireland and the mainland, and Stormont’s finance minister is apparently not pursuing a cut in corporation tax.
Scottish Conservatives offers SNP a budget deal
Ever since losing their majority in the 2016 Holyrood elections, the Scottish Nationalists have passed their budgets with the assistance of their separatist allies, the Greens.
This has had the effect of dragging their economic policy somewhat leftwards, and so this year the Scottish Conservatives have drawn up an alternative. Murdo Fraser, the Tories’ shadow finance secretary, is talking up a return to something like the working arrangement that existed between the SNP and the Conservatives during the former’s first period of minority government after taking office in 2007.
In exchange for sparing Scotland various “madcap” Green proposals, the Tories would instead press to keep Scottish taxes harmonised with those in the rest of the UK, as well as a review of business rates. You can read Fraser’s case here.
However it may well be that the Greens end up rowing in behind the SNP regardless – they have previously been criticised for putting separatism before their own environmental agenda when push comes to shove.
In other news, Michelle Ballantyne has confirmed that she is “fighting to win” in the Tory leadership race, despite having initially entered it to prevent a coronation.
This week in the SNP
It’s been another fairly torrid week for the Nationalists. First, Nicola Sturgeon has bowed to MSPs’ demands for a full review into the Scottish education system.
Then an SNP MSP is under fire for refusing to represent constituents who oppose independence, whilst a former Nationalist minister has publicly argued that the First Minister could claim victory even in an unauthorised ‘wildcat’ referendum, arguing that the “political reality” would be independence even if the poll had been boycotted by unionists.
And there’s been a touch of sub-Stalinist history-editing over at the party’s official website, whose ‘History’ page no longer makes any reference whatsoever to Alex Salmond, the man who took them into government in Edinburgh, secured the 2014 referendum, and led the ‘Yes’ campaign. As good a sign as any of how the Nationalist leadership think his upcoming trial will go.


conservativehome--2020-01-23--Calling Conservatives: New public appointments announced. Chair of the Migration Advisory Committee

Calling Conservatives: New public appointments announced. Chair of the Migration Advisory Committee – and more

Seven years ago , the TaxPayers ’ Alliance reported that “ in the last year , five times more Labour people were appointed to public bodies than Tories ” .
Since then , the figures have varied , and some Conservative members or supporters have been selected to fill important posts .
Nonetheless , it remains the case that , since it took office in 2010 , our Party has punched beneath its weight when it comes to public appointments .
One of the reasons seems to be that Tories simply don ’ t apply in the same number as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , every week we put up links to some of the main public appointments vacancies , so that qualified Conservatives might be aware of the opportunities presented .
“ Parliament ’ s Information Authority is seeking to recruit a Non-Executive Director to join them for meetings related to the Parliamentary Estate , our building information and data , and the Restoration and Renewal programme .
It is expected that the successful candidate would attend up to 15 meetings per year , including quarterly Authority meetings , additional Authority meetings related to the programme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ associated discussions as required .
The 15 days to include all preparatory work for those meetings.
” “ The Greater Lincolnshire LEP works with the public , private and voluntary sectors to drive sustainable economic growth .
We help our businesses increase productivity and innovation , create new employment opportunities , and develop infrastructure solutions that support this .
We are the voice of the local business community , ensuring that the economic interests of the area are properly represented .
We believe that Greater Lincolnshire is alive with opportunities and a truly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do business and is emerging as the intelligent choice for investors.
” Time : Around four days per month .
“ CITB is the statutory skills body for the construction industry in Great Britain and its purpose is to make better provision for the training and maintenance of skills in the industry .
CITB raises around £200m annually via a training levy , and works closely with employers and the Government to ensure national construction skills needs are met .
CITB seeks to create the culture and conditions that will deliver new ways @ @ @ @ @ @ @ creating a demand in construction for more skills , new skills and higher level skills .
CITB aspires to be at the forefront of effective commissioning and grant practice and is undertaking a high-profile transformational reform programme in order to achieve this.
” “ The Chair will be responsible for the proper running of the Homes England Board .
They will guide and influence the Agency at a strategic level providing confident , clear and consistent leadership .
They will also lead the Agency ’ s relationship with the Secretary of State for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who they will meet on a regular basis .
The Chair will act as an ambassador for the Board and for Homes England , helping to build and develop collaborative strategic partnerships that support and promote Homes England ’ s core mission .
The successful candidate will influence and network with key decision makers and stakeholders and explain how the organisation is transforming… ” Time : Up to two days per week .
“ The Northern Ireland Office ( NIO ) is seeking to appoint a Lead Non-Executive Director to its Management Board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Board Member , the role of the Lead Non-Executive Director is to chair the Department ’ s Audit and Risk Committee .
The successful candidate will be expected to take up the position in May 2020 .
Non-Executive Directors provide a key role in the strategic and operational leadership of the Northern Ireland Office .
They complement the balance of skills and experience of Government Ministers and officials by bringing independent advice , support , constructive challenge and a fresh external perspective to help shape a department ’ s work.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Chair who is an influential local leader and who can bring energy and passion to act as a champion for the area ’ s economic success .
The Chair requires sufficient standing to be able to convene the local business community and public sector stakeholders , while having the insight to oversee the development of an economic strategy and the relationship skills to work effectively with government .
We want you to have a voice , make a difference and give something back to the region .
The Chair must come from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be classed as private sector if their organisations do not appear on the Public Sector Classifications guide which can be viewed on the Office for National Statistics website ) .
” Time : Minimum one day per week on average .
“ The Chair of the MAC is appointed by the Home Secretary to oversee the operation of the Committee .
The Chair has overall accountability for the MAC ’ s work and is responsible for overseeing the operation and output of the Committee , in collaboration with the Home Office Secretariat .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ hands-on ” in its analysis and interaction with the Secretariat .
The Chair is responsible for establishing effective working relationships within the Committee , across the Secretariat and with government departments.
” “ The Tees Valley Combined Authority and Local Enterprise Partnership ( LEP ) are looking to recruit a new LEP Chair and new LEP members from the private sector to deliver our ambitious economic plans .
The Combined Authority and LEP strive to ensure an equal and diverse membership , and through this latest round of appointments , have committed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the LEP board in 2020 .
Due to the current LEP Chair coming to the end of his term , we are looking to appoint a new LEP Chair who has a strong private sector background , experience of building effective organisations and has the motivation to fully commit to and represent the LEP on a local and national scale .
”

Seven years ago, the TaxPayers’ Alliance reported that “in the last year, five times more Labour people were appointed to public bodies than Tories”.
Since then, the figures have varied, and some Conservative members or supporters have been selected to fill important posts.
Nonetheless, it remains the case that, since it took office in 2010, our Party has punched beneath its weight when it comes to public appointments. One of the reasons seems to be that Tories simply don’t apply in the same number as Labour supporters.
To help remedy this, every week we put up links to some of the main public appointments vacancies, so that qualified Conservatives might be aware of the opportunities presented.
– – – – – – – – – –
Information Authority – Non-Executive Director
“Parliament’s Information Authority is seeking to recruit a Non-Executive Director to join them for meetings related to the Parliamentary Estate, our building information and data, and the Restoration and Renewal programme. It is expected that the successful candidate would attend up to 15 meetings per year, including quarterly Authority meetings, additional Authority meetings related to the programme or associated work and to join other associated discussions as required. The 15 days to include all preparatory work for those meetings.”
Time: Up to 15 meetings a year.
Remuneration: £9,000 per annum plus reasonable travel expenses.
Closes: 19 January
– – – – – – – – – –
Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership – Chair
“The Greater Lincolnshire LEP works with the public, private and voluntary sectors to drive sustainable economic growth. We help our businesses increase productivity and innovation, create new employment opportunities, and develop infrastructure solutions that support this. We are the voice of the local business community, ensuring that the economic interests of the area are properly represented. We believe that Greater Lincolnshire is alive with opportunities and a truly great place to live, work and do business and is emerging as the intelligent choice for investors.”
Time: Around four days per month.
Remuneration: None.
Closes: 20 January
– – – – – – – – – –
Construction Industry Training Board – Board Trustee
“CITB is the statutory skills body for the construction industry in Great Britain and its purpose is to make better provision for the training and maintenance of skills in the industry. CITB raises around £200m annually via a training levy, and works closely with employers and the Government to ensure national construction skills needs are met. CITB seeks to create the culture and conditions that will deliver new ways of working, embracing new technologies, creating a demand in construction for more skills, new skills and higher level skills. CITB aspires to be at the forefront of effective commissioning and grant practice and is undertaking a high-profile transformational reform programme in order to achieve this.”
Time: Around 16 hours per month.
Remuneration: Expenses.
Closes: 28 January
– – – – – – – – – –
Homes England – Chair
“The Chair will be responsible for the proper running of the Homes England Board. They will guide and influence the Agency at a strategic level providing confident, clear and consistent leadership. They will also lead the Agency’s relationship with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, who they will meet on a regular basis. The Chair will act as an ambassador for the Board and for Homes England, helping to build and develop collaborative strategic partnerships that support and promote Homes England’s core mission. The successful candidate will influence and network with key decision makers and stakeholders and explain how the organisation is transforming…”
Time: Up to two days per week.
Remuneration: £95,000 per annum.
Closes: 31 January
– – – – – – – – – –
Northern Ireland Office – Lead Non-Executive Director
“The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) is seeking to appoint a Lead Non-Executive Director to its Management Board. In addition to his/her responsibilities as a Board Member, the role of the Lead Non-Executive Director is to chair the Department’s Audit and Risk Committee. The successful candidate will be expected to take up the position in May 2020. Non-Executive Directors provide a key role in the strategic and operational leadership of the Northern Ireland Office. They complement the balance of skills and experience of Government Ministers and officials by bringing independent advice, support, constructive challenge and a fresh external perspective to help shape a department’s work.”
Time: Approx. 20 days per annum.
Remuneration: £12,500 per annum plus expenses.
Closes: 03 February
– – – – – – – – – –
Solent Local Enterprise Partnership – Chair
“The Solent LEP is seeking to recruit a Chair who is an influential local leader and who can bring energy and passion to act as a champion for the area’s economic success. The Chair requires sufficient standing to be able to convene the local business community and public sector stakeholders, while having the insight to oversee the development of an economic strategy and the relationship skills to work effectively with government. We want you to have a voice, make a difference and give something back to the region. The Chair must come from the private sector (Individuals can only be classed as private sector if their organisations do not appear on the Public Sector Classifications guide which can be viewed on the Office for National Statistics website).”
Time: Minimum one day per week on average.
Remuneration: ‘Reasonable expenses’.
Closes: 29 February
– – – – – – – – – –
Migration Advisory Committee – Chair
“The Chair of the MAC is appointed by the Home Secretary to oversee the operation of the Committee. The Chair has overall accountability for the MAC’s work and is responsible for overseeing the operation and output of the Committee, in collaboration with the Home Office Secretariat. To date, the MAC has operated “hands-on” in its analysis and interaction with the Secretariat. The Chair is responsible for establishing effective working relationships within the Committee, across the Secretariat and with government departments.”
Time: Two days per week.
Remuneration: £40,000 per annum.
Closes: 17 February
– – – – – – – – – –
Tees Valley Local Enterprise Partnership – Chair
“The Tees Valley Combined Authority and Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) are looking to recruit a new LEP Chair and new LEP members from the private sector to deliver our ambitious economic plans. The Combined Authority and LEP strive to ensure an equal and diverse membership, and through this latest round of appointments, have committed to achieve 50% female representation on the LEP board in 2020. Due to the current LEP Chair coming to the end of his term, we are looking to appoint a new LEP Chair who has a strong private sector background, experience of building effective organisations and has the motivation to fully commit to and represent the LEP on a local and national scale.”
Time: 6-8 days per month.
Remuneration: Travel and subsistence expenses.
Closes: 29 February


conservativehome--2020-01-23--Waiting for the Remainers. “Those people were a kind of solution.”

Cavafy ’ s famous poem begins by describing the Emperor , consuls , praetors and senators waiting for the barbarians to arrive .
“ What ’ s the point of senators making laws now ?
” he writes .
“ Once the barbarians are here , they ’ ll do the legislating.
” It ends with all of the above going home “ lost in thought…Because night has fallen and the barbarians haven ’ t come .
/ And some of our men just in from the border say / there are no barbarians any longer ” .
ConservativeHome feels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now that the EU Withdrawal Bill has passed Parliament , and Britain will indeed leave the Union a week tomorrow .
There were certainly times when , during Theresa May ’ s premiership , it seemed unlikely to happen at all – because the Commons would deliberately put two fingers up to the referendum verdict of 2016 .
Brexit was promised by March 29 last year .
Then by April 12 .
Then by the end of June .
By the time May was eventually deposed , the Party was reduced to four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get Brexit through on Jeremy Corbyn ’ s terms , and the Tory poll rating was down to 20 per cent .
It really looked as though MPs , with Oliver Letwin in charge of the Commons timetable and John Bercow bending the rules to suit himself , would keep extending and extending Britain ’ s membership…until a semi-rigged second referendum delivered the verdict that the Remainers wanted .
Boris Johnson has been so successful in turning all this round that it seems like a dream , and one wonders whether it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did .
Now , Tony Blair , John Major , Michael Heseltine , Keir Starmer , Jo Swinson , Dominic Grieve and all the rest of them have gone quiet , in the wake of Johnson ’ s near-landslide last month and in the run-up to Brexit this one… …And we will hear a bit less , at least for the time being , from Gina Miller , A.C.Grayling , Hugh Grant , Will Hutton , Jolyon Maugham , Ian Dunt , Alastair Campbell , and all the rest of them .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to rejoin the EU – a more formidable task than trying to stop it leaving , precisely because it seeks to change the status quo .
Good riddance to the lot of them , many of our readers will say .
This site doesn ’ t quite feel the same way .
Perhaps we are wondering what and who Brexiteers will complain about now that the Remainers have been routed .
As Cavafy almost put it in the last lines of his poem , “ Now what ’ s going to happen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were a kind of solution .
”

Cavafy’s famous poem begins by describing the Emperor, consuls, praetors and senators waiting for the barbarians to arrive. “What’s the point of senators making laws now?” he writes. “Once the barbarians are here, they’ll do the legislating.”
It ends with all of the above going home “lost in thought…Because night has fallen and the barbarians haven’t come. / And some of our men just in from the border say / there are no barbarians any longer”.
ConservativeHome feels the same way about the Remainers, now that the EU Withdrawal Bill has passed Parliament, and Britain will indeed leave the Union a week tomorrow.
There were certainly times when, during Theresa May’s premiership, it seemed unlikely to happen at all – because the Commons would deliberately put two fingers up to the referendum verdict of 2016.
Brexit was promised by March 29 last year. Then by April 12. Then by the end of June. By the time May was eventually deposed, the Party was reduced to four MEPs, she was reduced to seeking to get Brexit through on Jeremy Corbyn’s terms, and the Tory poll rating was down to 20 per cent.
It really looked as though MPs, with Oliver Letwin in charge of the Commons timetable and John Bercow bending the rules to suit himself, would keep extending and extending Britain’s membership…until a semi-rigged second referendum delivered the verdict that the Remainers wanted.
Boris Johnson has been so successful in turning all this round that it seems like a dream, and one wonders whether it really happened at all. But it did.
Now, Tony Blair, John Major, Michael Heseltine, Keir Starmer, Jo Swinson, Dominic Grieve and all the rest of them have gone quiet, in the wake of Johnson’s near-landslide last month and in the run-up to Brexit this one…
…And we will hear a bit less, at least for the time being, from Gina Miller, A.C.Grayling, Hugh Grant, Will Hutton, Jolyon Maugham, Ian Dunt, Alastair Campbell, and all the rest of them.
They will now have to argue for Britain to rejoin the EU – a more formidable task than trying to stop it leaving, precisely because it seeks to change the status quo.
Good riddance to the lot of them, many of our readers will say. This site doesn’t quite feel the same way. Perhaps we are wondering what and who Brexiteers will complain about now that the Remainers have been routed.
As Cavafy almost put it in the last lines of his poem, “Now what’s going to happen to us without Remainers? / Those people were a kind of solution.”


conservativehome--2020-01-23--Rachel Wolf: My top tip for Labour leadership candidates – parties can’t win everywhere, and shouldn

Rachel Wolf: My top tip for Labour leadership candidates – parties can’t win everywhere, and shouldn’t try

Rachel Wolf is a partner in Public First .
She had co-charge of the 2019 Conservative Manifesto .
She was an education and innovation adviser at Number 10 during David Cameron ’ s premiership and was founding director of the New Schools Network .
The last manifesto was focused squarely on issues that mattered to the new Conservative voter : immigration , crime , public services , infrastructure ( I refuse to say ‘ levelling up ’ , which is classic Whitehall speak ) .
Its clarity – including on Brexit – inevitably meant some voters turned away .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that was willing to stand for something .
Labour tried not to choose , and it lost .
Not just because of the Corbyn , but because Corbyn ’ s character led to vacillation .
Now Labour leadership candidates face the same dilemma .
Their potential electorate is divided .
Do they want to reclaim their heartlands ?
Or do they want to represent urban , younger , Remain-voting and generally graduate voters ?
There ’ s no shame in either decision – young people in cities need representation , too .
Indeed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not persuading more of them to vote Tory .
But what Labour can ’ t do , right now , is persuade both .
Recently , it has looked as though Lisa Nandy is the only Labour candidate to both understand this and to want to steer the party back to its core vote .
Moderates who have despaired at the toxic , institutionally anti-semitic mess they represent are focusing their attention and their hopes on her .
I think their analysis is wrong .
Yes , Nandy has gone one step further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having a Northern accent and a semi-plausible back story is not enough to persuade intelligent , competent , former Labour voters to choose her .
She is willing to talk about the issues that matter to former Labour voters , including immigration and welfare .
Her work with the Centre for Towns shows she understands the importance of those who live in towns across England – a huge focus in the last Conservative manifesto for good reason .
But her substance is in the opposite direction to her rhetoric .
Her defence of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defence of free movement .
Her attack on Labour ’ s welfare position for being too ‘ paternalistic ’ is accompanied by a belief that people do not want ‘ draconian ’ welfare rules and that we should – by implication – radically increase the scale of benefits .
This is the worst of both worlds .
Substance that alienates traditional Labour voters , and rhetoric that alienates new ones .
This isn ’ t respecting Leave voters , it ’ s patronising them – and it ’ s certainly not going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ membership whose votes Nandy needs if she wants to lead the Party .
Starmer is unlikely to appeal to former Labour voters .
But he is more likely to appeal , properly , to someone than Nandy after she has been tested over five years on her policy positions .
It might sound odd for the co-author of the Conservative manifesto to give the Labour Party advice , but I mean it .
A good Opposition makes Government better – and as a Jew , I ’ m praying that the Corbynites go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ choose .
The same is true for those who oppose the government .
Until Nandy and the other candidates face up to this , they will remain in the wilderness .

Rachel Wolf is a partner in Public First. She had co-charge of the 2019 Conservative Manifesto. She was an education and innovation adviser at Number 10 during David Cameron’s premiership and was founding director of the New Schools Network.
The last manifesto was focused squarely on issues that mattered to the new Conservative voter: immigration, crime, public services, infrastructure (I refuse to say ‘levelling up’, which is classic Whitehall speak). Its clarity – including on Brexit – inevitably meant some voters turned away. But far more were attracted to a party that was willing to stand for something.
Labour tried not to choose, and it lost. Not just because of the Corbyn, but because Corbyn’s character led to vacillation.
Now Labour leadership candidates face the same dilemma. Their potential electorate is divided. Do they want to reclaim their heartlands? Or do they want to represent urban, younger, Remain-voting and generally graduate voters? There’s no shame in either decision – young people in cities need representation, too. Indeed, Conservative strategists have long agonised about not persuading more of them to vote Tory.
But what Labour can’t do, right now, is persuade both. Recently, it has looked as though Lisa Nandy is the only Labour candidate to both understand this and to want to steer the party back to its core vote. Moderates who have despaired at the toxic, institutionally anti-semitic mess they represent are focusing their attention and their hopes on her.
I think their analysis is wrong. Yes, Nandy has gone one step further than many: she knows that simply having a Northern accent and a semi-plausible back story is not enough to persuade intelligent, competent, former Labour voters to choose her.
She is willing to talk about the issues that matter to former Labour voters, including immigration and welfare. Her work with the Centre for Towns shows she understands the importance of those who live in towns across England – a huge focus in the last Conservative manifesto for good reason.
But her substance is in the opposite direction to her rhetoric. Her defence of Brexit voters is accompanied by a spirited defence of free movement. Her attack on Labour’s welfare position for being too ‘paternalistic’ is accompanied by a belief that people do not want ‘draconian’ welfare rules and that we should – by implication – radically increase the scale of benefits.
This is the worst of both worlds. Substance that alienates traditional Labour voters, and rhetoric that alienates new ones. This isn’t respecting Leave voters, it’s patronising them – and it’s certainly not going to appeal to the vast Remain-voting Labour Party membership whose votes Nandy needs if she wants to lead the Party.
Starmer is unlikely to appeal to former Labour voters. But he is more likely to appeal, properly, to someone than Nandy after she has been tested over five years on her policy positions.
It might sound odd for the co-author of the Conservative manifesto to give the Labour Party advice, but I mean it. A good Opposition makes Government better – and as a Jew, I’m praying that the Corbynites go for good.
To govern is to choose. The same is true for those who oppose the government. Until Nandy and the other candidates face up to this, they will remain in the wilderness.


conservativehome--2020-01-23--Building the Blue Wall: Stoke South

Building the Blue Wall: Stoke South

Today we consider Stoke South in our series about early success stories of building Conservative support in areas previously regarded as safe Labour territory .
Jack Brereton gained the seat from Labour in the 2017 General Election with a majority of just 643 .
At the General Election last month Labour heavily targeted the seat .
Busloads of Momentum activists arrived .
Yet Brereton not only held the seat , but his majority sharply increased to 11,271 .
This is one of the lowest paid areas in the country .
Stoke South had never been Conservative before 2017 .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for some time – certainly well before the Brexit vote .
During the last Labour Government , both Tony Blair and Gordon Brown avoided the city , leaving the impression that it could taken for granted .
Labour ran the Council until 2015 but came up with wasteful vanity projects which were out of touch with the priorities of residents .
The City was left behind .
Brereton was elected a councillor in the City in 2011 .
He was one of only two Conservatives that won .
But in 2015 the Conservatives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also made gains with the result that Labour lost control .
Then last May , bucking the trend nationally , the Conservatives in Stoke made a further eight gains .
The Council is now a Conservative-led coalition with independent councillors .
Cllr Abi Brown , the Council Leader , and Cllr Dan Jellyman , the Cabinet Member for Regeneration , Infrastructure & Heritage , have written for us about the progress being made .
As with other examples in our series this week , Conservative membership has increased exponentially .
In 2010 there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over 250 .
For some Stoke residents , voting for independents has been a transitional phase on a political journey .
They started off being disillusioned with Labour – wanting to make a protest , to “ send a message ” – but could not quite contemplate voting Conservative .
A few years on , many of those overcame that reluctance – as is apparent .
Other former Labour voters took a detour to UKIP or the Brexit Party before reaching the Conservatives as their destination last month .
However , to say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Brereton is keeping the pace up as a “ campaigning MP ” despite the more comfortable margin of victory .
Brereton ’ s previous experience as a councillor was useful to him in dealing with casework effectively and in working with councillors and encouraging new council candidates to come forward .
Though he is a young MP , the age of the electorate is above average .
So while he uses social media , he also maintains regular communications of pushing newsletters and surveys through letterboxes .
Being proactive in that way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public care about .
Otherwise , there is a risk of MPs being distracted by pressure groups .
“ In Stoke-on-Trent , our success has been built up over a number of years .
Before 2015 , we had three Labour MPs and a Labour-controlled council .
Indeed , it is not many years since Labour held all the seats on the City Council .
“ We have earned people ’ s trust through our hard work , building from two councillors , to seven , to taking control of the authority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one , to all three .
We campaign on issues important to local people and deliver for the whole of Stoke-on-Trent .
“ After decades of being taken for granted by Labour and their views ignored on Brexit , people were clear they wanted a change.
” Crime is a big concern .
Brereton spends a lot of time with the police , including going on a raid .
Education is another .
There is currently a push to deliver a new free school in the constituency .
But perhaps the most important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to see jobs created and new businesses start up .
The ambition is that rather than being associated with decline , the City is regarded as a place where enterprise can flourish .
An enterprise zone has seen derelict sites ( both privately and council-owned ) being revived .
Business Rates are waived and planning restrictions eased .
Brereton highlighted the issue in Parliament this week : Jack Brereton : Ceramic Valley enterprise zone has transformed a number of brownfield sites and created thousands of jobs in Stoke-on-Trent .
Will my right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support our proposals to extend the zone , and its continuation in Stoke-on-Trent ?
Nadhim Zahawi : Since it launched in April 2016 , Ceramic Valley enterprise zone has been a fantastic success : it has attracted private sector investment and has already secured 1,000 new jobs in Stoke .
The Government are prioritising levelling up , as the Prime Minister continuously reminds us .
We will want to reflect on those things , such as Ceramic Valley enterprise zone , that have worked and see how we can support them further .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Conservatives as it is something the Conservative MP , the Conservative Government , and the Conservative-led Council , have worked together to achieve .
It is easy for an MP to have opinions .
What counts for more with their constituents is when they can show they have delivered results .

Today we consider Stoke South in our series about early success stories of building Conservative support in areas previously regarded as safe Labour territory. Jack Brereton gained the seat from Labour in the 2017 General Election with a majority of just 643. At the General Election last month Labour heavily targeted the seat. Busloads of Momentum activists arrived. Yet Brereton not only held the seat, but his majority sharply increased to 11,271. This is one of the lowest paid areas in the country.
Stoke South had never been Conservative before 2017. But the disillusionment with Labour had been growing for some time – certainly well before the Brexit vote. During the last Labour Government, both Tony Blair and Gordon Brown avoided the city, leaving the impression that it could taken for granted. Labour ran the Council until 2015 but came up with wasteful vanity projects which were out of touch with the priorities of residents. The City was left behind.
Brereton was elected a councillor in the City in 2011. He was one of only two Conservatives that won. But in 2015 the Conservatives made six gains,. The independents also made gains with the result that Labour lost control. Then last May, bucking the trend nationally, the Conservatives in Stoke made a further eight gains. The Council is now a Conservative-led coalition with independent councillors. Cllr Abi Brown, the Council Leader, and Cllr Dan Jellyman, the Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Infrastructure & Heritage, have written for us about the progress being made. As with other examples in our series this week, Conservative membership has increased exponentially. In 2010 there were 40 members, it is now over 250.
For some Stoke residents, voting for independents has been a transitional phase on a political journey. They started off being disillusioned with Labour – wanting to make a protest, to “send a message” – but could not quite contemplate voting Conservative. A few years on, many of those overcame that reluctance – as is apparent. Other former Labour voters took a detour to UKIP or the Brexit Party before reaching the Conservatives as their destination last month. However, to say “final destination” would be hubris. Brereton is keeping the pace up as a “campaigning MP” despite the more comfortable margin of victory.
Brereton’s previous experience as a councillor was useful to him in dealing with casework effectively and in working with councillors and encouraging new council candidates to come forward. Though he is a young MP, the age of the electorate is above average. So while he uses social media, he also maintains regular communications of pushing newsletters and surveys through letterboxes. Being proactive in that way gives a good sense of the issues the public care about. Otherwise, there is a risk of MPs being distracted by pressure groups.
He tells me:
“In Stoke-on-Trent, our success has been built up over a number of years. Before 2015, we had three Labour MPs and a Labour-controlled council. Indeed, it is not many years since Labour held all the seats on the City Council.
“We have earned people’s trust through our hard work, building from two councillors, to seven, to taking control of the authority; and from no MPs, to one, to all three. We campaign on issues important to local people and deliver for the whole of Stoke-on-Trent.
“After decades of being taken for granted by Labour and their views ignored on Brexit, people were clear they wanted a change.”
Crime is a big concern. Brereton spends a lot of time with the police, including going on a raid. Education is another. There is currently a push to deliver a new free school in the constituency.
But perhaps the most important issue is economic revival. The wish is to see jobs created and new businesses start up. The ambition is that rather than being associated with decline, the City is regarded as a place where enterprise can flourish. An enterprise zone has seen derelict sites (both privately and council-owned) being revived. Business Rates are waived and planning restrictions eased. Brereton highlighted the issue in Parliament this week:
Jack Brereton: Ceramic Valley enterprise zone has transformed a number of brownfield sites and created thousands of jobs in Stoke-on-Trent. Will my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State support our proposals to extend the zone, and its continuation in Stoke-on-Trent?
Nadhim Zahawi: Since it launched in April 2016, Ceramic Valley enterprise zone has been a fantastic success: it has attracted private sector investment and has already secured 1,000 new jobs in Stoke. The Government are prioritising levelling up, as the Prime Minister continuously reminds us. We will want to reflect on those things, such as Ceramic Valley enterprise zone, that have worked and see how we can support them further.
It is a good message for the Conservatives as it is something the Conservative MP, the Conservative Government, and the Conservative-led Council, have worked together to achieve. It is easy for an MP to have opinions. What counts for more with their constituents is when they can show they have delivered results.


conservativehome--2020-01-22--Andrew Gimson’s PMQs sketch: How long before people complain it’s too damn quiet?

Boris Johnson ’ s manner is reminiscent of a batsman who has worked out how to punish a moderate attack and is starting to enjoy himself .
The danger for him is that he will be lured into overconfidence .
It is possible he will get himself out one day by trying to play a reverse sweep .
Jeremy Corbyn trundled in and lobbed a series of slow questions about Universal Credit , which he claims has increased poverty and should be abolished .
Johnson retorted that there has been a massive increase in employment , accused his opponent of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trap , remarked that Corbyn has been voted the most popular Labour leader ever by Labour members , and added that “ these sentiments are warmly shared by many on this side of the House ” .
The Prime Minister treated Ian Blackford , the SNP leader at Westminster , with equal disdain , comparing him to “ a rocketing pheasant ” , telling him and his colleagues to “ concentrate on the day job ” rather than call over and over again for another referendum , and remarking that “ we support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ except manufacturing grievances ” .
But to backbenchers on both sides of the House , the Prime Minister went into benevolent monarch mode , graciously pleased to concur with every reasonable request , dispensing assurances with royal affability .
What a change has come over the House since the general election .
Brexit , as Michael Gove remarked during Cabinet Office questions , will happen in ten days ’ time .
We find ourselves in the calm after the storm .
The great contentions which dominated Westminster from the referendum in 2016 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 have died down , and peace has settled over the House .
The Government has a secure majority , no dissenting voices are heard from its own benches and the Prime Minister is no longer the embattled figure who marched through a rebellion by some of the most renowned parliamentarians on his own benches towards an election which the Opposition parties were for some time shrewd enough to deny him .
The Speaker , Sir Lindsay Hoyle , again kept PMQs to the half hour it is timetabled to last – inexpressibly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who allowed things to drag on and on .
So order reigns at Westminster .
How long before people complain it ’ s too damn quiet ?

Boris Johnson’s manner is reminiscent of a batsman who has worked out how to punish a moderate attack and is starting to enjoy himself.
The danger for him is that he will be lured into overconfidence. It is possible he will get himself out one day by trying to play a reverse sweep.
Jeremy Corbyn trundled in and lobbed a series of slow questions about Universal Credit, which he claims has increased poverty and should be abolished.
Johnson retorted that there has been a massive increase in employment, accused his opponent of wanting to keep people in the welfare trap, remarked that Corbyn has been voted the most popular Labour leader ever by Labour members, and added that “these sentiments are warmly shared by many on this side of the House”.
The Prime Minister treated Ian Blackford, the SNP leader at Westminster, with equal disdain, comparing him to “a rocketing pheasant”, telling him and his colleagues to “concentrate on the day job” rather than call over and over again for another referendum, and remarking that “we support manufacturing in Scotland – they support nothing except manufacturing grievances”.
But to backbenchers on both sides of the House, the Prime Minister went into benevolent monarch mode, graciously pleased to concur with every reasonable request, dispensing assurances with royal affability.
What a change has come over the House since the general election. Brexit, as Michael Gove remarked during Cabinet Office questions, will happen in ten days’ time.
We find ourselves in the calm after the storm. The great contentions which dominated Westminster from the referendum in 2016 to the general election at the end of 2019 have died down, and peace has settled over the House.
The Government has a secure majority, no dissenting voices are heard from its own benches and the Prime Minister is no longer the embattled figure who marched through a rebellion by some of the most renowned parliamentarians on his own benches towards an election which the Opposition parties were for some time shrewd enough to deny him.
The Speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, again kept PMQs to the half hour it is timetabled to last – inexpressibly refreshing after the excesses of his predecessor, who allowed things to drag on and on.
So order reigns at Westminster. How long before people complain it’s too damn quiet?


conservativehome--2020-01-24--Calling Conservatives: New public appointments announced. Chair of the Migration Advisory Committee


conservativehome--2020-01-24--Where CCHQ should move to

Where CCHQ should move to

We reported last week that a senior source in Number Ten wants CCHQ out of Matthew Parker Street altogether and to move it to the North or the Midlands .
And that it wanted ideas about where this new location should be .
It added that the new venue should be “ somewhere reasonably close to a university with good maths/physics departments ( we should get a data team up there ) , good train links , well placed in political terms ” .
What Downing Street seems to us to be looking for are responses and suggestions that are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is near B number of marginal seats… • …C University in the area has a first-class maths department as graded by D… • …And it has the following transport links to E. Some of the replies approached that level of detail .
See Raedwalda ’ s on Manchester , Toonjulz ’ s on Newcastle , Dargueam ’ s on Birmingham…and several contributors who highlighted the connection between Warwick University and Coventry .
At any rate , the votes cast in the thread , as it were , went roughly as follows .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back two places in one post ( but not more ) .
• York – 18 votes ( cast before it was reported that Downing Street wants to move to House of Lords there ) .
• Coventry three ( with the University of Warwick referenced ) .
• Three Manchester spin-offs – Bolton , Macclesfield and Salford ( three votes ) .
Some contributors suggested venues in Scotland ; or the South of England , or dismissed the whole idea as a gimmick .
They were right to ask some searching questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place ?
Some say that a move would make the institution less London-centric .
Others , that different bits could go in different places .
But if the press office ( say ) were to stay in the capital , wouldn ’ t it make sense for the Research Department too as well ?
If so , one then asks what the point would be of splitting CCHQ into two .
Some readers wanted CCHQ to maintain its base in London but diversity its campaigning .
But would the Conservatives really need a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do that ?
Finally , does any part of CCHQ have to be in the capital ?
The Chairman ’ s office , presumably : he can scarcely be expected to dash to the lobbies to vote in ten minutes from north of Watford .
On this site , Robert Alden made the case for Birmingham , Anthony Mullen made one for Newcastle ( from Sunderland ) …and Eddie Hughes one for a town or small city such as Derby , Stoke or York .
All in all , we question whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But if a big symbolic move is in order , the Midlands makes sense as a location : after all , that ’ s where a mass of marginal seats are now centred .
Birmingham may thus be as good a place as anywhere but , if one is to place faith in the wisdom of crowds , the case made in the threads for Coventry and Warwick University made a lot of sense .

We reported last week that a senior source in Number Ten wants CCHQ out of Matthew Parker Street altogether and to move it to the North or the Midlands. And that it wanted ideas about where this new location should be.
It added that the new venue should be “somewhere reasonably close to a university with good maths/physics departments (we should get a data team up there), good train links, well placed in political terms”.
What Downing Street seems to us to be looking for are responses and suggestions that are shaped roughly as follows.
CCHQ should move to A because…
…it is near B number of marginal seats…
…C University in the area has a first-class maths department as graded by D…
…And it has the following transport links to E.
Some of the replies approached that level of detail. See Raedwalda’s on Manchester, Toonjulz’s on Newcastle, Dargueam’s on Birmingham…and several contributors who highlighted the connection between Warwick University and Coventry.
At any rate, the votes cast in the thread, as it were, went roughly as follows. We’ve allowed for a contributor to back two places in one post (but not more).
York – 18 votes (cast before it was reported that Downing Street wants to move to House of Lords there).
Birmingham eleven.
Manchester nine.
Leeds seven.
Newcastle seven.
Bradford two.
Durham five.
Stoke five.
Newcastle four.
Sheffield three.
Coventry three (with the University of Warwick referenced).
Chester two.
Darlington two.
Leicester two.
Three Birmingham spin-offs – Bromsgrove, Stourbridge and Walsall.
Three Manchester spin-offs – Bolton, Macclesfield and Salford (three votes).
Blackpool, Buxton, Carlisle, Chester, Crewe, Derby, Mansfield, Lincoln, Liverpool, Loughborough, Northampton, Nuneaton, Peterborough, Walsall, Worcester – one each.
Some contributors suggested venues in Scotland; or the South of England, or dismissed the whole idea as a gimmick.
They were right to ask some searching questions. Why move CCHQ in the first place? Some say that a move would make the institution less London-centric. Others, that different bits could go in different places.
But if the press office (say) were to stay in the capital, wouldn’t it make sense for the Research Department too as well? If so, one then asks what the point would be of splitting CCHQ into two.
Some readers wanted CCHQ to maintain its base in London but diversity its campaigning. But would the Conservatives really need a mass of potentially expensive new out-of-capital locations to do that?
Finally, does any part of CCHQ have to be in the capital? The Chairman’s office, presumably: he can scarcely be expected to dash to the lobbies to vote in ten minutes from north of Watford.
On this site, Robert Alden made the case for Birmingham, Anthony Mullen made one for Newcastle (from Sunderland)…and Eddie Hughes one for a town or small city such as Derby, Stoke or York.
All in all, we question whether CCHQ should really move at all. But if a big symbolic move is in order, the Midlands makes sense as a location: after all, that’s where a mass of marginal seats are now centred.
Birmingham may thus be as good a place as anywhere but, if one is to place faith in the wisdom of crowds, the case made in the threads for Coventry and Warwick University made a lot of sense.


conservativehome--2020-01-24--Iain Dale: The next BBC Chairman. Andrew Neil, anyone?  Robbie Gibb? Michael Portillo?

Iain Dale presents the evening show on LBC Radio and is a commentator for CNN .
It was announced on Wednesday that the award-winning Victoria Derbyshire Show is to be axed by the BBC .
Given that the Corporation ’ s public service remit is to “ inform , educate and entertain ” , this is a difficult decision to understand .
Its campaigning journalism on important social issues has won the show a raft of industry awards .
The decision is reportedly being made on cost grounds , influenced by the fact that it only had 250,000 viewers – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the News Channel .
The writing has been on the wall since the show was cut from two hours to one not that long ago .
On the same day , it was also revealed that Brexitcast will broadcast its last edition next Thursday .
This kind of makes sense given that we ’ re not definitely leaving the EU the following day .
The TV version will continue , though , and be rebranded rather awkwardly as Politicscast .
And next Wednesday , the BBC ’ s Head of News , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the future of the whole of BBC News .
Since the News and Current Affairs department has had to find £80 million of cuts , it could be brutal .
Radio 4 is bracing itself , with The World at One reportedly a big target for the cost-cutters .
Expect the headlines to be about their online offering and a proliferation of podcasts .
This is yet another area where the BBC hopes to dominate its competitors – just as it has tried to do in magazine publishing and radio .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way .
Rumour is that tit is about to spend millions on launching music stations to rival Hearts 80s , Absolute 90s and Smooth .
The natural question which follows is this : if the corporation continues to try to compete in areas serviced quite well by the commercial sector , how can it bleat about not having enough money to run their core public service remit stations ?
All this is happening only days after Tony Hall announced he will be stepping down as Director General in the summer .
Some think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chairman , David Clementi , to choose his successor before he too is replaced when his contract comes up next year .
His successor might pick someone more ‘ risky ’ and ‘ uncomfortable ’ for the BBC – given that he or she will be chosen by Downing Street .
The corporation is facing huge challenges .
Tony Hall may have had some successes in his time at the BBC , but planning for the next ten years is not one of them .
He has indulged in the usual BBC bleating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , without apparently realising that the broadcasting world has moved on .
We ’ re all used to paying for our TV by subscription now .
If he had been innovative and brave , Hall would have already developed a well worked-out plan which would involve asking BBC viewers and listeners to subscribe to particular channels in the same way that so many of us subscribe to Sky , Netflix or Amazon Prime .
The problem he has is that the licence fee costs each household the best part of £13 per month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rival services , with the exception of Sky .
Would the government be prepared to cover , say , one third of the BBC ’ s three million pound budget if this was just to cover true public service broadcasting ?
But even here , one uncovers a big problem .
BBC Radio costs around £700 million to produce .
You can ’ t really separate it out , and it covers a multitude of genres .
There ’ s little doubt that Radio 1 and Radio 2 could be funded by advertising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4 and Radio 5 Live and BBC Local Radio are surely what public service broadcasting is all about .
In addition , there is only so much advertising or sponsorship revenue to be had .
Distort the market too much , and it would affect the ability of the commercial radio providers like Global , Bauer and Wireless to maintain their current level of service provision .
All eyes will now be on who the BBC board chooses to succeed Hall .
The Guardian published a list of the top five female candidates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken as read that the successful candidate must be a woman .
I couldn ’ t give a monkey ’ s arse whether Hall ’ s successor has a vagina or two low hanging testicles .
Surely the criteria has to be that he or she is capable of doing the job and has the ideas to maintain the BBC as a successful broadcaster at an incredibly challenging time in its history .
The next Director General has to be a transformational one – the broadcasting equivalent of Michael Gove , someone who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make an omelette .
It needs to be someone who can be both inspirational for existing BBC staff , but also able to get a grip on a lumbering bureaucracy .
James Purnell , who used to be Culture Secretary under Gordon Brown , is someone who clearly has ambitions for the job .
And understandably so .
He is head of BBC Radio , education and the man behind the less than well-beloved BBC Sounds .
He has some radical ideas , but one suspects he will get the job over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is chosen , expect the mother of all battles between the BBC and Johnson ’ s government .
It would guarantee that the appointment of the next BBC Chairman would be something well worth ordering the popcorn in for .

Iain Dale presents the evening show on LBC Radio and is a commentator for CNN.
It was announced on Wednesday that the award-winning Victoria Derbyshire Show is to be axed by the BBC. Given that the Corporation’s public service remit is to “inform, educate and entertain”, this is a difficult decision to understand.
Its campaigning journalism on important social issues has won the show a raft of industry awards. The decision is reportedly being made on cost grounds, influenced by the fact that it only had 250,000 viewers – hardly surprising given it was on BBC2 and the News Channel.
The writing has been on the wall since the show was cut from two hours to one not that long ago. On the same day, it was also revealed that Brexitcast will broadcast its last edition next Thursday. This kind of makes sense given that we’re not definitely leaving the EU the following day.
The TV version will continue, though, and be rebranded rather awkwardly as Politicscast. And next Wednesday, the BBC’s Head of News, Fran Unsworth, will reveal her plan for the future of the whole of BBC News. Since the News and Current Affairs department has had to find £80 million of cuts, it could be brutal.
Radio 4 is bracing itself, with The World at One reportedly a big target for the cost-cutters. Expect the headlines to be about their online offering and a proliferation of podcasts. This is yet another area where the BBC hopes to dominate its competitors – just as it has tried to do in magazine publishing and radio.
The BBC delights in behaving in an anti-competitive way. Rumour is that tit is about to spend millions on launching music stations to rival Hearts 80s, Absolute 90s and Smooth. The natural question which follows is this: if the corporation continues to try to compete in areas serviced quite well by the commercial sector, how can it bleat about not having enough money to run their core public service remit stations?
All this is happening only days after Tony Hall announced he will be stepping down as Director General in the summer. Some think the timing is to allow the BBC chairman, David Clementi, to choose his successor before he too is replaced when his contract comes up next year. His successor might pick someone more ‘risky’ and ‘uncomfortable’ for the BBC – given that he or she will be chosen by Downing Street.
The corporation is facing huge challenges. Tony Hall may have had some successes in his time at the BBC, but planning for the next ten years is not one of them. He has indulged in the usual BBC bleating about the sanctity of the licence fee, without apparently realising that the broadcasting world has moved on.
We’re all used to paying for our TV by subscription now. If he had been innovative and brave, Hall would have already developed a well worked-out plan which would involve asking BBC viewers and listeners to subscribe to particular channels in the same way that so many of us subscribe to Sky, Netflix or Amazon Prime.
The problem he has is that the licence fee costs each household the best part of £13 per month – way above the monthly subscription for rival services, with the exception of Sky. Would the government be prepared to cover, say, one third of the BBC’s three million pound budget if this was just to cover true public service broadcasting?
But even here, one uncovers a big problem. BBC Radio costs around £700 million to produce. You can’t really separate it out, and it covers a multitude of genres. There’s little doubt that Radio 1 and Radio 2 could be funded by advertising, given their popularity, but Radio 4 and Radio 5 Live and BBC Local Radio are surely what public service broadcasting is all about.
In addition, there is only so much advertising or sponsorship revenue to be had. Distort the market too much, and it would affect the ability of the commercial radio providers like Global, Bauer and Wireless to maintain their current level of service provision.
All eyes will now be on who the BBC board chooses to succeed Hall. The Guardian published a list of the top five female candidates, as if it was to be taken as read that the successful candidate must be a woman.
I couldn’t give a monkey’s arse whether Hall’s successor has a vagina or two low hanging testicles. Surely the criteria has to be that he or she is capable of doing the job and has the ideas to maintain the BBC as a successful broadcaster at an incredibly challenging time in its history.
The next Director General has to be a transformational one – the broadcasting equivalent of Michael Gove, someone who is willing to crack a few eggs to make an omelette. It needs to be someone who can be both inspirational for existing BBC staff, but also able to get a grip on a lumbering bureaucracy.
James Purnell, who used to be Culture Secretary under Gordon Brown, is someone who clearly has ambitions for the job. And understandably so. He is head of BBC Radio, education and the man behind the less than well-beloved BBC Sounds.
He has some radical ideas, but one suspects he will get the job over Dominic Cummings’ twitching corpse. If he is chosen, expect the mother of all battles between the BBC and Johnson’s government. It would guarantee that the appointment of the next BBC Chairman would be something well worth ordering the popcorn in for.
Andrew Neil? Sir Robbie Gibb? Michael Portillo? Oh, what larks.


conservativehome--2020-01-24--Building the Blue Wall: Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland

We finish our series on the pioneering success stories in breaking the red wall , with the story of Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland .
Simon Clarke gained the seat from Labour in 2017 with a majority of 1,020 .
He was re-elected last month with a majority of 11,626 .
It should be acknowledged that the Conservative victory here is less shocking in historical terms than some of the other places we have considered .
The constituency had been Labour since it was created in 2017 .
But Paul Bristow nearly gained it for the Conservatives in 2010 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was created , part of it was taken from the Langbaurgh constituency which had been Conservative .
However , the increased majority from 2017 to 2019 is another instructive example that newly returned Tory MPs will seek to emulate .
Clarke , a staunch Brexiteer , who at 6 ft 7 inches tall , is now the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury , has the pressure of combining that role with his constituency duties .
The constituency is split across two councils .
The wards of Brotton , Guisborough , Hutton , Lockwood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Westworth come under Redcar and Cleveland Council .
While the wards of Coulby Newham , Hemlington , Ladgate , Marton , Marton West , Nunthorpe , Park End , and Stainton and Thornton fall within Middlesbrough Council .
Redcar and Cleveland Council is run by an independent/Lib Dem coalition .
In the elections last May the Conservative held steady with 11 seats .
But Labour was down 13 seats , mostly to independents .
Four years ago , I noted Labour infighting which will probably not have helped them .
Yet Labour ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or not a few councillors should have been deselected .
Middlesbrough is now run by a independents with the backing of three Conservative councillors .
Labour lost 13 seats last year and thus control of the Council .
While there has been a been a big surge in Conservative Party membership in the Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland there has yet to a real breakthrough in terms of councillors .
The growth of independents reflects a pattern elsewhere , that many voters find it easier to stop voting Labour , than to start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first phase of a transition in voting behaviour .
A by-election in the Coulby Newham Ward is due to take place soon which will give an indication of progress .
Many Conservatives remain shy .
Those campaigning on social media , where views are openly expressed , found much more hostility than those knocking on doors .
Traffic congestion is a big local issue in south Middlesbrough .
The Marton Road is nicknamed the Marton Crawl .
Clarke has described it as “ a nightmare for commuters , a burden for business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get to James Cook Hospital.
” He has surveyed residents to ask their thoughts on a partial bypass , redesigning junctions , adding slip roads… I suppose that now he is a Treasury Minister , he can write a letter to himself demanding funding .
If there are traffic jams it makes it harder to persuade people of the case for new housing .
While it is important for development to be beautiful , it also needs to be backed up by infrastructure – as well as new schools and extra GP capacity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easy ; overcoming these problems in fractious coalitions with assorted independents more of a challenge .
While I have passed on a variety of campaigning tips this week which I hope are useful , the main messages from the 2017 pioneers kept being repeated .
Realising Conservative potential was about the right mentality .
Working hard and showing constant and unapologetic local pride .
It also means being unapologetic about Conservative principles – and finding ways of applying them in campaigns that are relevant and popular .
Rather than wallowing in victimhood , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the constituency .
That doesn ’ t mean ignoring problems but it does require offering solutions and delivering them .
The tendency of Labour MPs to just complain is less effective .
When Margaret Thatcher visited the north east to highlight business enterprise , she was exasperated at being questioned by “ moaning minnies ” .
It was seen as a gaffe at the time but she had a point .
Perhaps the most heartening message to Conservative MPs returned in seats where they have few members or councillors is that , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many people interested in getting involved – who just need to be invited to do so .

We finish our series on the pioneering success stories in breaking the red wall, with the story of Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland. Simon Clarke gained the seat from Labour in 2017 with a majority of 1,020. He was re-elected last month with a majority of 11,626. It should be acknowledged that the Conservative victory here is less shocking in historical terms than some of the other places we have considered. The constituency had been Labour since it was created in 2017. But Paul Bristow nearly gained it for the Conservatives in 2010, losing by 1,677. When the seat was created, part of it was taken from the Langbaurgh constituency which had been Conservative. However, the increased majority from 2017 to 2019 is another instructive example that newly returned Tory MPs will seek to emulate. Clarke, a staunch Brexiteer, who at 6 ft 7 inches tall, is now the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, has the pressure of combining that role with his constituency duties.
The constituency is split across two councils. The wards of Brotton, Guisborough, Hutton, Lockwood, Loftus, Saltburn, Skelton and Westworth come under Redcar and Cleveland Council. While the wards of Coulby Newham, Hemlington, Ladgate, Marton, Marton West, Nunthorpe, Park End, and Stainton and Thornton fall within Middlesbrough Council.
Redcar and Cleveland Council is run by an independent/Lib Dem coalition. In the elections last May the Conservative held steady with 11 seats. But Labour was down 13 seats, mostly to independents. Four years ago, I noted Labour infighting which will probably not have helped them. Yet Labour’s woes will run deeper than whether or not a few councillors should have been deselected.
Middlesbrough is now run by a independents with the backing of three Conservative councillors. Labour lost 13 seats last year and thus control of the Council. While there has been a been a big surge in Conservative Party membership in the Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland there has yet to a real breakthrough in terms of councillors.
The growth of independents reflects a pattern elsewhere, that many voters find it easier to stop voting Labour, than to start voting Conservative. But that can prove the first phase of a transition in voting behaviour. A by-election in the Coulby Newham Ward is due to take place soon which will give an indication of progress. Many Conservatives remain shy. Those campaigning on social media, where views are openly expressed, found much more hostility than those knocking on doors.
Traffic congestion is a big local issue in south Middlesbrough. The Marton Road is nicknamed the Marton Crawl. Clarke has described it as “a nightmare for commuters, a burden for business and a danger to patients trying to get to James Cook Hospital.” He has surveyed residents to ask their thoughts on a partial bypass, redesigning junctions, adding slip roads… I suppose that now he is a Treasury Minister, he can write a letter to himself demanding funding.
If there are traffic jams it makes it harder to persuade people of the case for new housing. While it is important for development to be beautiful, it also needs to be backed up by infrastructure – as well as new schools and extra GP capacity. Attacking a failing Labour Council is easy; overcoming these problems in fractious coalitions with assorted independents more of a challenge.
While I have passed on a variety of campaigning tips this week which I hope are useful, the main messages from the 2017 pioneers kept being repeated. Realising Conservative potential was about the right mentality. Working hard and showing constant and unapologetic local pride. It also means being unapologetic about Conservative principles – and finding ways of applying them in campaigns that are relevant and popular. Rather than wallowing in victimhood, it is about championing the successes of the constituency. That doesn’t mean ignoring problems but it does require offering solutions and delivering them. The tendency of Labour MPs to just complain is less effective. When Margaret Thatcher visited the north east to highlight business enterprise, she was exasperated at being questioned by “moaning minnies”. It was seen as a gaffe at the time but she had a point.
Perhaps the most heartening message to Conservative MPs returned in seats where they have few members or councillors is that, as sitting MPs, they will come across many people interested in getting involved – who just need to be invited to do so.


conservativehome--2020-01-24--Council by-election results from yesterday and forthcoming contests

Lib Dems 1,699 ( 39.7 per cent , +29.5 ) Labour 1,304 ( 30.5 per cent , -25.6 ) Conservatives @ @ @ @ @ , -2.5 ) Green Party 373 ( 8.7 per cent , -1.4 ) Labour ( @ @ @ @ @ ) Conservatives ( 41.2 per cent , +16.1 ) Green Party ( 8.8 per cent @ @ @ @ @ ( 4.5 per cent , -3.2 ) Labour 1,945 ( 54.5 per cent , -11.8 @ @ @ @ @ per cent , +14.7 ) Lib Dems 378 ( 10.6 per cent , -0.6 ) @ @ @ @ @ per cent , -2.3 ) Conservatives 2,177 ( 61.8 per cent , +22.3 ) SNP @ @ @ @ @ , +1.9 ) Green Party 225 ( 6.4 per cent , +4.2 ) Labour 220 @ @ @ @ @ -0.6 )

Brent – Alperton
Lib Dems 1,699 (39.7 per cent, +29.5) Labour 1,304 (30.5 per cent, -25.6) Conservatives 900 (21.0 per cent, -2.5) Green Party 373 (8.7 per cent, -1.4)
Lib Dems gain from Labour
Brent – Barnhill
Labour (45.5 per cent, -18.3) Conservatives (41.2 per cent, +16.1) Green Party (8.8 per cent, +8.8) Lib Dems (4.5 per cent, -3.2)
Labour hold both seats
Brent – Wembley Central
Labour 1,945 (54.5 per cent, -11.8) Conservatives 1,090 (30.6 per cent, +14.7) Lib Dems 378 (10.6 per cent, -0.6) Green Party 154 (4.3 per cent, -2.3)
Labour hold.
Dumfries & Galloway – Mid Galloway & Wigtown West
Conservatives 2,177 (61.8 per cent, +22.3) SNP 898 (25.5 per cent, +1.9) Green Party 225 (6.4 per cent, +4.2) Labour 220 (6.3 per cent, -0.6)
Conservatives hold.
Forthcoming contests
January 30th
Suffolk County Council – Newmarket and Red Lodge (Conservative held)
West Suffolk District Council – Newmarket North (Conservative held)


conservativehome--2020-01-25--Bailey has three months to persuade Londoners he can cut crime

In recent years , Londoners have proved a tough crowd for the Conservatives to please .
Four years ago , Zac Goldsmith was defeated by over 300,000 votes in the election for Mayor of London .
Labour ’ s Sadiq Khan ended up with a lead of nine per cent on first preferences , which rose to nearly 17 per cent after the second preferences had been added in .
Goldsmith was accused of running an anti-Muslim campaign .
The charge was completely false – yet it did become a prevailing media narrative .
It meant Goldsmith struggled to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got worse .
The Brexit vote put London at odds with the rest of the country .
The 2017 General Election saw the Conservatives lose six seats in London .
Labour ’ s share of the vote in the capital was 54.5 per cent , compared to 33.1 per cent for the Conservatives .
That was a Labour lead of over 21 points .
The local elections in 2018 again saw a big Labour win .
Overall , across the London boroughs , they were 15 points ahead .
The Conservatives were on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ councillors .
I remember it well as I was one of them .
The General Election last month was , broadly speaking , a repeat of 2017 .
The Conservatives gained Kensington and Carshalton and Wallington but lost Putney and Richmond .
So we were stuck on just 21 seats – out of 73 .
All these figures are rather daunting for Shaun Bailey , the Conservative candidate for Mayor of London .
The election takes place on May 7th .
In just three months from now they will be sending out the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaigning army in London and Khan has been eager to use City Hall resources for his personal promotion .
It would be foolish to deny that Bailey is the underdog in this fight .
Indeed probably better to make a virtue of it .
His “ back story ” is about facing challenges .
In his early twenties he spent five years “ sofa surfing ” .
As a child , he grew up in an overcrowded council house in Bracewell Road , north Kensington , near the Grenfell Tower .
His family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ father was a lorry driver .
Before getting involved in politics he started his own youth charity .
Bailey is an articulate and authentic Conservative voice .
But I worry that his campaign so far has been too cautious , too risk averse .
The danger at the moment is that he is ignored , as the media shrug that the election result is a foregone conclusion .
Some bold policy statements are needed .
He needs to make the weather .
Provided that Bailey believes in them , it doesn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t please everyone in poltiics and it is a mistake to try .
Social media is the underdog ’ s friend .
It can be a great leveller as a way of candidates reaching people when they have scarce financial and physical resources .
Rory Stewart proved adept at using it when he stood for the Tory leadership last year .
Ultimately he floundered due to his lack of personal credibility and his pronouncements being at odds with mainsteam Conservative thinking .
But his campaign messaging did catch the attention of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public .
Now he is standing as an independent for Mayor of London .
I suspect he will drop out before May and that even if he doesn ’ t , he won ’ t do Bailey much harm in terms of vote splitting .
That is because any Conservatives who vote for Stewart would have the option of using second preference to vote for Bailey .
Say what you like about Stewart though , he does know how to tweet .
Take this : Just finding people to talk is not hard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their story – in this case , an ex rough sleeper called Andy .
It is not necessary for Andy to say he will vote for Rory .
Not necessary for Andy to back Rory ’ s plan to tackle rough sleeping .
Not even necessary for Rory to come up with any such plan .
Just for Rory to show he is listening , that he cares , that he has empathy , that he has curiosity… Substance is lacking from Stewart and substance does matter .
But other politicians could learn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adopt that personal , conversational , quirky style .
Old-fashioned campaigning has a role too .
I would suggest that Bailey holds a big public meeting in each of the 32 London boroughs between now and May 7th .
The more snarling Lefty hecklers that pitch up the better – it should enliven proceedings .
Where there are Conservative MPs or councillors , naturally they should be involved in promoting and participating in the meetings .
It should be seen as a way of encouraging new recruits to the Conservatives as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The policies need an anti-establishment edge .
Transport for London is an appallingly wasteful outfit .
Proposals to cut its bloated spending and cut fares should be put forward .
It owns 5,700 acres .
Selling land for development could provide new housing and provide capital funding for transport improvements .
The new housing does not need to be ugly .
There should be a firm pledge that no more tower blocks will be approved .
Bureaucracy at City Hall should be slashed to allow a big cut in the Council Tax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crime .
The Mayor of London keeps dodging responsibility .
Why is violent crime rising in London when it is falling in most of the rest of England ?
Greg Hands , the Conservative MP for Chelsea and Fulham , has written in the Evening Standard about the example of Rudy Giuliani , the former Mayor of New York City .
Just having more police is not enough .
They need to be effective .
Fair-minded Londoners would agree that Khan has been a failure when it comes to fighting crime , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After this month even those who voted against Brexit will tend to accept it is time to move on .
Some recent signs have been encouraging for London Conservatives .
Yesterday I reported on Council by-elections in Brent which showed some big swings our way .
Some recent opinion polling since the General Election suggests Conservative popularity has actually increased .
Opinium shows a lead of 17 per cent nationally .
So let Bailey be Bailey .
The odds might be against him , but he should be a Happy Warrior .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and campaigners to help him .
If London Conservatives are to persuade voters in the capital to believe in them again then self-belief is a necessary prerequisite .
Boris Johnson has shown how far it can take you .

In recent years, Londoners have proved a tough crowd for the Conservatives to please. Four years ago, Zac Goldsmith was defeated by over 300,000 votes in the election for Mayor of London. Labour’s Sadiq Khan ended up with a lead of nine per cent on first preferences, which rose to nearly 17 per cent after the second preferences had been added in. Goldsmith was accused of running an anti-Muslim campaign. The charge was completely false – yet it did become a prevailing media narrative. It meant Goldsmith struggled to get across his positive plans.
Then it got worse. The Brexit vote put London at odds with the rest of the country. The 2017 General Election saw the Conservatives lose six seats in London. Labour’s share of the vote in the capital was 54.5 per cent, compared to 33.1 per cent for the Conservatives. That was a Labour lead of over 21 points. The local elections in 2018 again saw a big Labour win. Overall, across the London boroughs, they were 15 points ahead. The Conservatives were on just 29 per cent and lost 92 councillors. I remember it well as I was one of them. The General Election last month was, broadly speaking, a repeat of 2017. The Conservatives gained Kensington and Carshalton and Wallington but lost Putney and Richmond. So we were stuck on just 21 seats – out of 73.
All these figures are rather daunting for Shaun Bailey, the Conservative candidate for Mayor of London. The election takes place on May 7th. In just three months from now they will be sending out the postal votes. Labour has a huge campaigning army in London and Khan has been eager to use City Hall resources for his personal promotion. It would be foolish to deny that Bailey is the underdog in this fight. Indeed probably better to make a virtue of it. His “back story” is about facing challenges. In his early twenties he spent five years “sofa surfing”. As a child, he grew up in an overcrowded council house in Bracewell Road, north Kensington, near the Grenfell Tower. His family is from Jamaica. Shaun’s father was a lorry driver. Before getting involved in politics he started his own youth charity.
Bailey is an articulate and authentic Conservative voice. But I worry that his campaign so far has been too cautious, too risk averse. The danger at the moment is that he is ignored, as the media shrug that the election result is a foregone conclusion. Some bold policy statements are needed. He needs to make the weather. Provided that Bailey believes in them, it doesn’t matter if they are contentious. You can’t please everyone in poltiics and it is a mistake to try.
Social media is the underdog’s friend. It can be a great leveller as a way of candidates reaching people when they have scarce financial and physical resources. Rory Stewart proved adept at using it when he stood for the Tory leadership last year. Ultimately he floundered due to his lack of personal credibility and his pronouncements being at odds with mainsteam Conservative thinking. But his campaign messaging did catch the attention of the media and some of the wider public. Now he is standing as an independent for Mayor of London. I suspect he will drop out before May and that even if he doesn’t, he won’t do Bailey much harm in terms of vote splitting. That is because any Conservatives who vote for Stewart would have the option of using second preference to vote for Bailey.
Say what you like about Stewart though, he does know how to tweet. Take this:
Almost 9000 people are experiencing the misery of sleeping rough in London. #LondonDeservesBetter pic.twitter.com/uaALukdGI3 — Rory Stewart (@RoryStewartUK) January 16, 2020
Just finding people to talk is not hard. People are usually happy to tell their story – in this case, an ex rough sleeper called Andy. It is not necessary for Andy to say he will vote for Rory. Not necessary for Andy to back Rory’s plan to tackle
rough sleeping. Not even necessary for Rory to come up with any such plan. Just for Rory to show he is listening, that he cares, that he has empathy, that he has curiosity…
Substance is lacking from Stewart and substance does matter. But other politicians could learn from Stewart to have the confidence to adopt that personal, conversational, quirky style.
Old-fashioned campaigning has a role too. I would suggest that Bailey holds a big public meeting in each of the 32 London boroughs between now and May 7th. The more snarling Lefty hecklers that pitch up the better – it should enliven proceedings. Where there are Conservative MPs or councillors, naturally they should be involved in promoting and participating in the meetings. It should be seen as a way of encouraging new recruits to the Conservatives as well as discovering local concerns and wooing floating voters.
The policies need an anti-establishment edge. Transport for London is an appallingly wasteful outfit. Proposals to cut its bloated spending and cut fares should be put forward. It owns 5,700 acres. Selling land for development could provide new housing and provide capital funding for transport improvements. The new housing does not need to be ugly. There should be a firm pledge that no more tower blocks will be approved. Bureaucracy at City Hall should be slashed to allow a big cut in the Council Tax precept.
But the biggest issue is crime. The Mayor of London keeps dodging responsibility. Why is violent crime rising in London when it is falling in most of the rest of England? Greg Hands, the Conservative MP for Chelsea and Fulham, has written in the Evening Standard about the example of Rudy Giuliani, the former Mayor of New York City. Just having more police is not enough. They need to be effective.
Fair-minded Londoners would agree that Khan has been a failure when it comes to fighting crime, as well as on the other key issues. After this month even those who voted against Brexit will tend to accept it is time to move on. Some recent signs have been encouraging for London Conservatives. Yesterday I reported on Council by-elections in Brent which showed some big swings our way. Some recent opinion polling since the General Election suggests Conservative popularity has actually increased. Opinium shows a lead of 17 per cent nationally.
So let Bailey be Bailey. The odds might be against him, but he should be a Happy Warrior. That defiant spirit would then spur donors and campaigners to help him. If London Conservatives are to persuade voters in the capital to believe in them again then self-belief is a necessary prerequisite. Boris Johnson has shown how far it can take you.


conservativehome--2020-01-26--WATCH: Stewart admits he was wrong to call three men “sort of minor gangsters”

Independent candidate for Mayor of London @ RoryStewartUK says he was wrong to refer to three men he met in @ @ @ @ @ minor gangsters ” # Ridge

Independent candidate for Mayor of London @RoryStewartUK says he was wrong to refer to three men he met in London as “sort of minor gangsters” #Ridge
Read more: https://t.co/YGuNmCnl3R pic.twitter.com/6tAwgYOTY8
— Sophy Ridge on Sunday (@RidgeOnSunday) January 26, 2020


conservativehome--2020-01-26--WATCH: “Brexit is really only at half-time” – McEntee

“ Brexit is really only at half time ” Irish Europe Minister @ HMcEntee says “ nothing will change ” @ @ @ @ @ it would be “ very difficult ” to secure a trade deal by the end @ @ @ @ @

“Brexit is really only at half time”
Irish Europe Minister @HMcEntee says “nothing will change” after 31 January and that it would be “very difficult” to secure a trade deal by the end of 2020 #Ridge.
Get live updates: https://t.co/YGuNmCnl3R pic.twitter.com/oFjBVqYlzr
— Sophy Ridge on Sunday (@RidgeOnSunday) January 26, 2020


conservativehome--2020-01-26--WATCH: Patel denies being ‘on the warpath’ over Huawei

Home Secretary @ patel4witham denies being “ on the warpath ” over Huawei # Ridge

Home Secretary @patel4witham denies being “on the warpath” over Huawei #Ridge
Get live updates here: https://t.co/YGuNmCnl3R pic.twitter.com/VJ4I5pkLBP
— Sophy Ridge on Sunday (@RidgeOnSunday) January 26, 2020


conservativehome--2020-01-26--WATCH: Labour has been “walking on the other side of the street” on antisemitism, says Murray

“ People need to take their heads out of the sand ” Labour deputy leader candidate @ IanMurrayMP says Labour @ @ @ @ @ the other side of the street ” when the party has been asked to deal @ @ @ @

“People need to take their heads out of the sand”
Labour deputy leader candidate @IanMurrayMP says Labour has been “walking on the other side of the street” when the party has been asked to deal with antisemitism allegations.
Live: https://t.co/AkhnRms6xe#Ridge pic.twitter.com/XAzqi0jnJq
— Sophy Ridge on Sunday (@RidgeOnSunday) January 26, 2020


conservativehome--2020-01-26--WATCH: Barclay is asked for his “gut feeling” on whether HS2 will go ahead. “Yes.”

# Marr : Gut feeling on whether HS2 should go ahead , yes or no ?

#Marr: Gut feeling on whether HS2 should go ahead, yes or no?
Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay: “Yes”https://t.co/bz6skUTvoQ pic.twitter.com/3zmIzOKDMu
— BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) January 26, 2020


conservativehome--2020-01-26--Welcome to Brexit Week

Welcome to Brexit Week

On Friday at 11pm , Britain will leave the European Union .
Over a mont has passed since the general election which effectively confirmed the decision .
It will take us all much longer to come to terms with the dizzying change it has brought , the best part of four years after endless Parliamentary efforts to evade the referendum instruction .
And to get used to the size and scale of Boris Johnson ’ s majority .
And to grasp fully that the three quarters of a century-long Conservative dispute over Europe is over , at least for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the landscape that Brexit opens up .
This week , we will be turning much of ConservativeHome over to telling the story of the past four years or so .
We will also be looking forward to Friday , and to the time beyond .
This site threw itself into campaigning for Brexit – finding itself last year in the unusual , and we hope never-to-be-repeated , position of not being able to recommend voting Conservative in a national election .
The year before we had called for the replacement of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times – the product of the most startling turnaround in British politics in living memory .
Welcome to Brexit Week .

On Friday at 11pm, Britain will leave the European Union. Over a mont has passed since the general election which effectively confirmed the decision. It will take us all much longer to come to terms with the dizzying change it has brought, the best part of four years after endless Parliamentary efforts to evade the referendum instruction. And to get used to the size and scale of Boris Johnson’s majority. And to grasp fully that the three quarters of a century-long Conservative dispute over Europe is over, at least for the time being. And to acclimatise ourselves to the landscape that Brexit opens up.
This week, we will be turning much of ConservativeHome over to telling the story of the past four years or so. We will also be looking forward to Friday, and to the time beyond. This site threw itself into campaigning for Brexit – finding itself last year in the unusual, and we hope never-to-be-repeated, position of not being able to recommend voting Conservative in a national election. The year before we had called for the replacement of the then party leader. These are happier times – the product of the most startling turnaround in British politics in living memory. Welcome to Brexit Week.