CF Astounded By Warsi's Controversial Israeli Tweets

Baroness Warsi, the former Conservative Party Chairman and Foreign Office Minister, has today controversially tweeted again about Israel and inter faith relations.

The outrage centred on her claim of 'vitriolic attacks ... from people self identifying as British Jews'. Warsi resigned from her post in the Foreign Office due to the Governments stance against the Terrorist organisation Hamas. She has also caused further controversy on Twitter when she attempted to justify the murders of Jewish people by terrorists.

. @BoardofDeputies @Laura_E_Marks I was shocked at the vitriolic abuse I got for resigning from people self identifying as British Jews
— Sayeeda Warsi (@SayeedaWarsi) December 29, 2014

Normal CFers have reacted with surprise at Warsi's comments. Sam Betz from the University of Kent also said 'Her support at all levels of politics has totally collapsed, and I think she’s the only one “shocked” by that. If you choose to side with a genocidal terrorist organisation over a liberal democracy, don’t be surprised when the people they want to murder don’t want to be associated with you any more.'

George Highton from NUCA told #ThingsElliottSays 'She shouldn't be surprised that she's come in for criticism. Her actions are appalling ... using her resignation to undermine the Middle East's only democracy. Her whole tenure as chairman was a farce.'

Baroness Warsi has also been condemned by leading Conservatives. Mark Clarke, who set up RoadTrip2015, posted on Twitter his reaction to Warsi's 'bizarre' tweet. This was greatly retweeted by journalists, CFers and other leading politicos on the centre right.

@SayeedaWarsi twitter feed is bizarre. Repeated tweets attacking Israel.. Followed by complaints that so many Jews don't like her much.
— Mark Clarke (@MrMarkClarke) December 29, 2014

National CF Chairman, Alexandra Paterson, has also shown disapproval at what Baroness Warsi had tweeted. She told this blog 'Ordinary activists will have been appalled by her [Baroness Warsi's] comments over recent months.' She further stated referring to Mark Clarke's tweet 'the reason that Mark has created one of the strongest movements in the party is because he is in touch with activists as much as she is completely out of touch with them.'

Theodora Dickinson, the South East CF Chairman, has also backed Paterson telling #ThingsElliottSays 'I'm pleased to see senior members of the Conservative Party speaking out against Warsi's attack on the democratic state of Israel. She claims to have fought against anti-semitism, and to be a supporter of the Conservative Friends of Israel, but she has proved herself to be a reprehensible hypocrite.'

Further criticism also came from the Middle East studies director for Parliament Street, Stephen Hoffman, 'she has offended many people including Jewish people who do not think that high profile politicians should be spending their day job justifying terror attacks against individuals by groups like Hamas just for being Jewish.' He further added 'If Sayeeda wants to improve her relationship with the Jewish community she could start by apologising.'

It doesn't look like Baroness Warsi's tweets and her views on Israel have gone down well with the youth members of the Conservative Party.

#ThingsElliottSays On TBG

#ThingsElliottSays is back on TBG reporting about the progress of the national CF executive. #ThingsElliottSays puts forward the argument that a revolution has taken place in CF. All in all these next few months will be the best CF will experience since its inception. You can read the article here.

CF Conference Agenda Launched

With #CPC14 fast approaching the national CF exec have launched a guide describing what's hot for those looking for a good time at Party Conference. You can view the guide here.

Great events highlighted by the CF national exec include the CWF midnight reception, Boris speech, and Freedom Fizz with Jacob Rees-Mogg and Liam Fox. There will of course be the free but vinegar like wine available for all at the vast majority of these events.

Alexandra Paterson, the national CF Chair, has told #ThingsElliottSays "With this new National Executive, we decided to bring fresh ideas to CF. Ideas and plans that were expected of CF for a long time. When it comes to Party Conference, we are here to ensure that our members have the best experience, whether it is their first time or if they are regular. This guide will hopefully help CFers organise their diary and enjoy conference even more."

CF is starting to cater for the needs of CFers.

CF Rally To Save The Union

 


CF is gathering at Trafalgar Square tomorrow evening for a rally to save the union. The national executive and several other massive unionists will be there to try and convince the Jocks to vote No to independence.

Alexandra Paterson, the CF national chair, has told #ThingsElliottSays "As someone from Scottish heritage this referendum is particularly important to me. I truly believe that we are better off together."

Full details are available on Facebook.

Exclusive: CF Strategy Team Announced

Alexandra Paterson has announced the wider CF strategy team which will help bring the Conservatives to victory in 2015 and also make CF a very successful organisation. This among other future plans for CF were decided last night at the 'most successful national executive meeting ever'.

Paterson exclusively told #ThingsElliottSays "Following on from last night's successful National Executive and Leadership Team meetings at CCHQ ... the following appointments to the Strategy Team:

NUS Officer: Eimhear Macfarlane
Training Officer: Ben Woodward
CF Women: Aisha Vance-Grimard
Constitutional Officer: Simon Harley
European Relationship Manager: Laurence Chacksfield
Social Action Officer: Sarah-Louise Cooper
Forward Planning Officer: James Price
Universities Officer: Calum James Stewart
Postgraduates Officer: Hamish Stewart
Fundraising Officer: Cordelia Roberts Evans
Internal International Events: Jon Wilson
Young Professionals: Michael Bull"

The last position for the national executive was also announced with Hannah Rawbone being appointed as the campaigns officer. Hannah exclusively told #ThingsElliottSays "I am thrilled to be part a great CF national executive. I’m confident under the leadership of Alexander Paterson we can take CF from strength to strength, recruiting more members and campaigning in seats that need our help. In an election year it is crucial we continue to campaign on the issues that really matter; telling as many people about our long term economic plan and playing our part in securing a conservative majority in 2015."

In the opinion of the majority of young  Conservatives #TeamPaterson has got off to a great start. One CFer has told #ThingsElliottSays "This is most likely to be the start of an era of CF doing something. An idea kindled by Oliver Cooper and realised in Alexandra Paterson. Like Margaret Thatcher and Keith Jospeh perhaps, but with more KFC."

Exclusive: Robert Graham EYC Gaffe

South West CFer and Boris look a like, Robert Graham, really enjoyed the EYC conference this weekend. But the long conference seemed to take it out on dear Robert as he fell asleep during the 'fascinating lecture on the EU'. Robert was then called out and was shown up in front of the whole conference. I'm sure he has been taking inspiration from Ken Clarke.

 Keep up the branch creation Robert.

Photo courtesy of Frank Manning.

Exclusive: CF Left In Shock After National Exec Does Something

CF has been left in shock this evening as the national exec of CF prove they are doing something by sending out an email to all CF members.* This is a good sign that we're entering an age where CF actually amounts to something.

CF has historically had a problem of people chasing titles and doing sod all once they are in their roles. This problem has meant that previous national executives have done very little, although there have been some decent people on the national committee from time to time. #TeamPaterson promised to end this and actually be in contact with all CF members about what is going on. This email proves that they are keeping to this promise.

The new CF National Exec is actually doing something.

These CF emails will be sent bi-weekly and keep members up to date about what is going on. A special place is reserved for details about RoadTrips and any other big campaigns going on across the country.

One email does not mean a revolution, but keeping in contact with CF members is something that no other national CF chairman has achieved. Paterson is therefore very much on the right path and will hopefully continue actually doing work. If this continues CF will get a boost in it's standing in the Conservative Party.

*If you have not received an email contact  Stephen Canning (stephenbwcanning@gmail.com), it is probably Merlin's fault again.

Exclusive: Royal Holloway CF Elections

Royal Holloway CF has had it's elections and the new leader is Daniel Atherton, who oddly happens to come from Nottingham.* Daniel will replace Antonia Jade who is standing down after a very good term in getting RHULCA running at full speed.

Daniel has told #ThingsElliottSays "I'm thoroughly excited by the prospective year for Royal Holloway's Conservative Society. Most notably it will be an opportunity for us to move on from the drama and adversity we've faced so far and blossom into the society we can all be proud of!

"Having worked as secretary for the society over the last year, It's my pleasure to take on more responsibility. Already we have plans to erupt on campus and spread the blue word, and I will strive to represent conservative politics on campus in an enlightening and enthusiastic way!"

*The odd links #ThingsElliottSays has to Royal Holloway CF are almost fate like.

CF And RoadTrip Get Signed Up Over 1000 Activists To Fight The Clacton By-election

The CF National Exec and RoadTrip2015 have responded quickly to Douglas Carswell's defection earlier today with the creation of a 'RoadTrip2015 Clacton Volunteer Force' group on Facebook. This quick action has resulted in over 1000 Conservatives joining the group to make sure the Conservatives hold this seat.

In the first two hours of this group being set up 1,000 activists had already signed up for a RoadTrip to the Clacton by-election. At 7pm this figure had rose to 1,325 Conservative activists. Numbers have already gone past the 600 members of 'the people's army'* of Conservatives that went on the Newark RoadTrip.

Alexandra Paterson, the new CF Chairman, has already told #ThingsElliottSays "I'm absolutely delighted that so many CF members have already committed to supporting the Party in Clacton with RoadTrip2015. We need to show that if the British people want to have a say in an EU referendum, have a growing economy and better public services, they need to vote Conservative."

RoadTrip2015 was credited with playing a large part in the 7,500 Conservative majority in Newark. CF and RoadTrip will play a much larger part in the Clacton by-election

*The name was created in response to Nigel Farage saying he would muster 1000 UKIP activists to form a 'people's army' for the Newark by-election. UKIP never came close too this figure in reality.

Team Paterson Storm To Victory

#TeamPaterson stormed to victory in the CF national elections yesterday evening winning every single slot on the national executive and regional college (apart from London). Sadly #ThingsElliottSays couldn't cover the CF Elections because there has been mass computer problems for the past few weeks. Normal service has now returned.

Paterson has told #ThingsElliottSays "Firstly, I must give thanks to everyone. Thanks goes to Oliver Cooper. Thanks to everyone who backed me and my team. Thanks to #TeamPaterson and the CF'ers who give up their time to make this organisation work.

Colonel Cooper watching Paterson's speech after her election

"A massive congratulations also goes to everyone who was elected to national and regional positions last night. I can't wait to work with you all to help make sure we can have an organisation we are all proud of. Now these elections are out of the way, it's time to focus on what really matters - 2015 and a Tory majority. I, and my team, will work together to make sure CF campaigns together and helps deliver a Tory majority together."

Stephen Canning, who was elected unopposed, has said also "I'm absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to serve as Deputy Chairman Political for the coming year where I'm taking the place of an outstandingly hardworking CF'er, Robert Manning."

India Brumitt, named as the 'big gun of CF', has spoke to #ThingsElliottSays as well "I'm excited to take on the challenge of the Deputy Chairman Membership role and look forward to working with the new executive, the new regional chairman and all CF in the run up to 2015."

Annabel Shaw, who had a three way duel for her role as Best Practice Officer, told #ThingsElliottSays "A massive thank you to everyone who voted for me, I'm so exited to get down to work and make sure CF is fighting fit and ready to play its part in delivering a Conservative majority in 2015."

#ThingsElliottSays wishes all those elected well.

Campaigning Queen Kude Would Bring London CF Closer To 2015 Victory

These CF elections have featured one major imperative, the ability to win in 2015. Charlotte Kude, who is standing to be London CF Chairman, is one of those exceptional Conservatives who has the ability bring 2015 victory that little bit closer. Kude loves a good party but would be the best person to lead campaigning into the next General Election in the capital.

Kude told #ThingsElliottSays about how much work she has put into campaigning and Road Trip 2015*. "Before Road Trip was created I used to go campaigning every weekend, at least Saturdays and sometimes Sundays too, mainly in target seats. In London but also across the country, I tried to help in the most vulnerable seats in the West Midlands and as far as in the North East too. Then I got involved with Road Trip and at the same time continued to support friends standing for council and Euro-Candidates during the locals and Europeans, which sometimes meant going out during the week as well."

Kude also has a great experience in organisation as well as being a foot soldier on the streets. She said to #ThingsElliottSays "I certainly intend to take the lead with campaigning in London and personally keep in touch with the target constituencies. This work can only be done properly by surrounding myself with the best possible people, dedicated campaigners but also good organisers. I have learnt a great deal on that front with Road Trip, from bringing as many new people as possible to each action day to sorting out transport and accommodation for them and making sure everyone feels part of the team. It has to be a two way deal, you can't simply ask people to turn up without them getting anything in return."

If you want to know who could lead London CF to General Election success look no further than Charlotte Kude.

*The campaigning phenomenon that has showed that partying and leafleting are synonymous.

Exclusive: Armstrong Adds Awe-inspiring Endorsement

The Bookies’ favourite for East Midlands CF Chairman, Samuel Armstrong, has singled out India Brummitt from Team Paterson for further praise today. India Brummitt is the runaway favourite for CF Deputy Chairman (Membership).

“I endorsed Alexandra Paterson earlier this week arguing we needed a true wartime leader in the spirit of this nation’s Titans of History. The Deputy Chairman (Membership) role is crucial to our organisation’s success. However of late Membership has endured a long frozen winter without significant progress. We need a figure who can really generate new members.

C.S Lewis’ great hero Aslan, was faced by a hundred-year winter but through his sheer determination, courage, and sense of self-sacrifice he brought about the end of it. CF’s membership has in a number of senses endured a long winter and although CF has not necesarrily suffered the leadership of a white-witch other than this the frozen winter parallels are overwhelming.

India Brummitt is a true reflection of Aslan; courageous, selfless, a capable leader. She is ultimately a leader I and many others would be willing to follow into battle as so many have before during her work with #RoadTrip2015.”

Exclusive: Rowell Backs Team Paterson

Chris Rowell is the latest to come out and back those on Team Paterson. This comes also the day after Chris starts his re-election campaign as Yorkshire and Humber CF Chairman with his Facebook Page.

Chris has told #ThingsElliottSays "I’m really pleased to see Alex is running for CF National Chairman. Having worked with Alex as a Regional Chairman and a RoadTrip2015 coordinator, I know she and her team have the skills and determination to deliver the campaign we need to win in 2015. I also know she shares the same frustrations we all have with CF and the Party and I have every confidence in her plan to address them."

Alexandra has said to #ThingsElliottSays "Chris is hugely popular in his region and it's an absolute honour to have his backing. I'm so glad he is restanding and wish him the very best of luck."

Exclusive: CF Chair Candidate Accused Of Supporting Anti-Semitic Group

CF Chair Candidate Jacob Wilkinson has been accused of being a supporter of al-Aqsa, a pro-Palestinian group based in Leicester with a dubious record on anti-Semitism.

Wilkinson is a follower on Twitter of al Aqsa's official account. On its account al Aqsa describes its role as 'a UK based non-profit making NGO concerned with defending the human rights of Palestinians and protecting the sacred al-Aqsa Sanctuary in Jerusalem.' However, serious concerns of anti-Semitism have been raised about al Aqsa. On a TV channel called Mermi there is a video by al-Aqsa TV called 'Hamas Sermon from the Gaza Strip: Our Doctrine Entails Exterminating the Jews'. al-Aqsa has also published on its Official Facebook Page several particularly dodgy photos.

Wilkinson has been tweeting about a boycott on Israel and his pro-Gazan views on his Twitter account in the last few days.

Useful information for those who are wanting to #BoycottIsrael in the UK http://t.co/FdAyYc8f3a
— Jacob Wilkinson (@JacobWilkinson) July 29, 2014

I have decided that I will now be boycotting Israeli goods and products. Luckily I don't like Figs.. #gaza
— Jacob Wilkinson (@JacobWilkinson) July 29, 2014

I am no longer shocked by the crimes committed by the Israeli State against Palestinian Civilians.
— Jacob Wilkinson (@JacobWilkinson) July 16, 2014

Jacob told #ThingsElliottSays last night "If friends of Alqa is dodgy they have the federation of Muslim Organisations tweeting about them taking a petition to Downing Street about Gaza with local [Leicester] MPs". He has also told #ThingsElliottSays this morning "My views on the Israeli-Palestinian issue are long held and well known. This is nothing but a witch hunt against me because I hold a different view to Stephen Hoffman, who seems to be completely incapable of understanding that people might hold different opinions to himself."

Wilkinson says "My views on the Israeli-Palestinian issue are long held and well known."

Respected young Conservative Stephen Hoffman has said to #ThingsElliottSays " Friends of Al Aqsa is a group which goes past legitimate anti-Israel activity into the realms of anti-Semitism as these links to Harry's Place show (http://hurryupharry.org/2010/09/27/ed-miliband-and-friends-of-al-aqsa/ and http://hurryupharry.org/2009/09/14/hate-israel-love-racism/) . There are also credible claims that they are sympathisers of Hamas. This is at a time when antisemitism in Europe is on the rise.

"I do not agree with the political judgement of someone who wants to be CF Chairman who is happy to be linked in any way to an antisemitic group at a time when antisemitism is on the rise dangerously. These are not personal attacks on Jacob personally. I'm sorry if he has taken it that way. I have many friends across the political spectrum including many good friends who disagree with me strongly on Israel. I have no problem with people having differing opinions, he has the right to disagree with me."

Update

Jacob Wilkinson wishes to clarify his own positions after this article was published. He told #ThingsEliottSays "Just because I happen to follow a Leicester based Pro-Palestinian group on twitter, does not make me an anti-semite. I have never supported Hamas' actions, but I do question Israel's disproportionate response and the death of nearly 1800 innocent Palestinian men, women and Children."

Exclusive: Duffy Speaks To #ThingsElliottSays

#ThingsElliottSays has spoken to Isaac Duffy, who is standing as the North East's Regional CF Chairman. Don't let his age fool you, Isaac has the support of 2 MPs and the Chairman of the National Convention in his election camapaign. He is clearly a young man who has good links and good abilities.

Isaac has told #ThingsElliottSays "I believe there are three factors paramount to Conservative Future in the North East, and if elected I will strive to improve them as much as possible, and insodoing make NECF a larger, more efficient, more effective organisation. We must have more campaigning, more communication, and more members."

Isaac believes campaigning will be key in the next year. There are two Tory MPs in the North East and a number of marginal seats. Isaac thinks "campaigning is the backbone both Conservative Future and the main party. I think it’s of the highest importance we keep the seats we have, notably; Stockton South where James Wharton is the MP. If elected, I pledge not to forget the importance of our target seats and to make sure CF is an active and effective campaigning force in the upcoming months."

A key problem of the past identified by Isaac is communication, not a unique problem in the North East. He pledges if elected "to appoint a new Communications Officer and assure that they are a well-connected individual who can communicate well with all of our local branches and CF on a national level. Their job will include handling publicity about events and assuring all of our members receive invites & are up to date with our activities."

Membership is also key for Duffy's vision of CF in the North East. He promises "to explore a number of new projects to boost membership. I will urge Team2015, University groups, and members of the general party to come out and campaign with us. I believe strongly that social media & better publicity can prove very useful in boosting the turnout at campaigns. If elected, I pledge not to neglect the importance of social evenings or groups such as CPF and their great work."

It will be interesting to see if Duffy gets elected in the North East. He has the backing of James Wharton MP, Guy Opperman MP, Charles Heslop, and CF's own Jasmine Rahman. He does of course have a very large amount of backing from the ranks of the membership as well. The Teeside CF Chair, Cameron Brown, calling him "one of the most active members of our local Branch" and saying "dedication to the Conservatives in the North East is second to none".

#ThingsElliottSays wishes Isaac the best of luck.

Jacob Wilkinson Announces Launch Party

 

Jacob Wilkinson has announced he will also be having a launch party for his campaign to be the Chairman of National CF. He is following Team Paterson with her boat party tomorrow evening.

The party will be at Knighton and Clarendon Park Conservative Club, Leicester and will kick off at 8pm on 6th August. All are welcome to attend.

As a dig at Team Paterson says that "there will be £8.17 behind the bars, so get there quick! ... The event itself will be held in the cellar rooms, which are accessible via the entrance to the gentleman’s toilets at the back of the club."

Jacob has told #ThingsElliottSays “I am very excited to be launching my campaign at my local Conservative Club. It will be a fantastic evening, everyone is welcome and I am planning on having a VIP attend. There will be some money behind the bar, but once that runs out its buy your own booze”.

Jacob has already caused controversy in CF with his posts attacking Alexandra Paterson's eligibility to stand over her age, despite the CF constitution specifically saying she can do so. Furthermore Jacob's has recently been tweeting his support for a boycott of Israel. This has caused concern amongst leading CFers. Stephen Hoffman has said to Jacob "I find the fact you want to boycott Israel disgraceful and ill informed. Do you recognise Israel's right to exist." Stephen has also said that he worries that Jacob "follows Al Aqsa who are based in Leicester. They are a distinctly dodgy Islamist organisation."

I have decided that I will now be boycotting Israeli goods and products. Luckily I don't like Figs.. #gaza
— Jacob Wilkinson (@JacobWilkinson) July 29, 2014

Exclusive: Incumbent Backs Armstrong As He Releases His Manifesto

Sam Armstrong has received a key nomination today from Richard Harris the incumbent East Midlands Chairman. This comes at the same time as Sam released his manifesto for a better CF to fight the ground war against Labour, UKIP, and what is left of the Lib Dems.

Richard is standing down after serving a single term as East Midlands Chairman. During this time he had success with the East Midlands Conference and inspiring CFers, mainly in his home county of Derbyshire. However, Richard needs to stand down for his council campaign in 2015 and so has exclusively told #ThingsElliottSays he will back Sam as the Chairman for the East Midlands and encourages everyone else he knows in CF to do so.

Sam has told #ThingsElliottSays "I'm delighted that after such a short time I'm already attracting support from right across the region. Richard has served CF loyally as the incumbent Regional Chairman and I'm delighted that he is supporting me."

Dave is supporting Sam, are you?

Sam has also launched his manifesto today for "more members, more action, more branches, more socials, more campaigning."

Campaigning is of course the first concern for everyone in CF now, so in his manifesto Sam says that "the East Midlands is the front line in politics. I will make sure every week there is an email sent out letting everybody know what campaigning is going on. I will also organise action days for any CF candidate standing in council elections." Sam also wants more action telling everyone that "CF right now is gearing up for a war. I will arrange transport for every #Roadtrip2015 and secure funding to subsidise this. I am proud to be the last person in the country to have been to the Party’s hallmark campaign days, and if elected I will make sure EVERYONE in the East Midlands gets the opportunity to do the same."

Sam wants more branches in the East Midlands saying "I am 100% committed to the goal of a branch in every target seat and in every university by the General Election. I will support Area-chairman in doing this and if necessary start branches myself as I have in Nottinghamshire to achieve this. It’s a tragedy that Universities like Loughborough and DMU have no Conservative presence - if I’m elected I’ll do everything I can to rectify this." Linked to this Sam wants to "increase membership of CF in the East Midlands. No excuses."  But a balance must be stroke and this Sam thinks "CF absolutely has to work hard, play harder. I’m always up for a night out and I’ll make sure every CF event I organise ends in an absolute banger."

Sam has some really interesting ideas for the East Midlands and #ThingsElliottSays will keep you posted on what happens next. Sam is by the far the bookies favourite at this point.