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.

Sarah Jane Gives Kiss Of Death To CF Election Hopefuls

Not content with staying quiet after she resigned as Deputy Chairman (Membership) and failed to become National CF Chairman, Sarah Jane has come out and endorsed candidates for the CF elections. I hope the CF election hopefuls she has backed realise that this is the kiss of death to their campaign. 

Sarah Jane on her blog today announced she would be backing Jonathan Levy in the North West, Isaac Duffy in the North East, Jacob Wilkinson in the East Midlands, and Luke Springthorpe in London. She also said on her blog that she would back these candidates despite her intention "to keep well out of publicly supporting and endorsing in the Conservative Future elections as a matter of principle from my resignation."

#ThingsElliottSays finds several of these things puzzling. Firstly, although she has clearly lost all influence in CF, SJ believes that she still should back candidates. It is almost as if she thinks CFers will have forgotten her appalling past record. Secondly does she not realise that Jacob Wilkinson is standing as National CF Chairman? I'm sure he will be very pleased with being endorsed for a position he stood for last time around. Lastly she must also realise that these endorsements are the kiss of death to the candidates she has come out to support. Who would trust the word of someone widely considered to be the worst member of the CF exec in all of its history?

But the candidates named need not despair. A simple thanks, but no thanks to SJ's endorsement should cause them no problems over the election period. It's not like anyone will be putting 'endorsed by SJ' up on their Facebook page or website claiming they are proud that a disgraced former exec member is backing them. It would be like an endorsement by Ed Miliband.

Update

Sarah Jane has just removed from her blog piece all of her endorsements. Maybe she read my article and didn't want to disadvantage the candidates.

Exclusive: Harley Steps Down For Annabel

Simon Harley, naval expert and well known CFer, has decided to withdraw his nomination as Best Practice Officer for the CF Elections and back Annabel Shaw instead. Simon ran to be Best Practice Officer in the last CF elections but has decided to pull out this time because he has 'broad sympathy with her [Annabel's] ideas'.

Harley has exclusively told #ThingsElliottSays "I would like to take this opportunity to state that I will not be formally running for the position of Best Practice Officer. Since last Friday, when a draft of my manifesto was leaked to The Blue Guerilla's excellent blog, I have received numerous messages of support from CFers across the country. However, I am afraid to say that for various reasons I am unable to run this time around.

"I will be supporting Annabel Shaw for the position of Best Practice Officer. I'm in broad sympathy with her ideas and I have absolutely no doubt that if elected she'll give the position the time and effort it so sorely deserves. I can recommend her to anyone who wants Best Practice and Conservative Future as a whole taken seriously."

Annabel, who is a member of Team Paterson, has also said to #ThingsElliottSays "I'm thrilled to have the backing of Simon and am so glad that the #TeamPaterson vision for CF and his match so well. It's yet another example of our ambition to make the CF National Executive a broad and inclusive group focused on building a CF that works for the future."

Alexandra Paterson also spoke to #ThingsElliottSays "I'm delightful that Simon Harley is backing Annabel Shaw, the #TeamPaterson candidate for Best Practise Officer. I'm sure Annabel, once elected, will be able to rely on Simons's wealth of experience and his fantastic drive to achieve meaningful change within CF, it's constitution and the way it functions combined with own hard work ethic.

"CF should work hard – and play hard. That’s what I’ll bring to the table as CF Chairman and that's why I want you to join me as a launch my campaign." You can join Team Paterson's campaign launch here.

Breaking News: Sam Armstrong To Run As East Midlands Chair

Sam Armstrong, the Deputy Chair for Nottinghamshire CF, is set to run as the East Midlands Chairman. Sam has decided to stand with only one purpose. To make sure the Conservatives are on top form in 2015.

Matt Riley, who was leading the CF ground war in the Newark by-election, has told #ThingsElliottSays "Sam is the one to back for the CF elections if you live in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland. There is no one more dedicated to campaigning than Sam and no one more able to get everything set up beforehand. There is a reason why Sam was selected to help manage the key Bingham office during the by-election in Newark. I'm sure he will be key also amongst the regional Conservatives by helping in 2015. But to see him in full swing he must be elected."

Sam with NUCA, Trent CF and Andrew Lewer MEP.

Sam is tipped as the leader by #ThingsElliottSays in the race to become the next East Midlands Chairman. He has shown competence in organising campaigning not just in Newark but getting a coach load of students up from Nottingham to campaign in Lancashire for the day. Indeed Sam has helped in a plethora of 40:40 seats across the country from Chester to Croydon or Rosendale and Darwen to Sherwood.

Sam has told #ThingsElliottSays "I'm looking forward to the campaign, I have a background in putting the hard yards campaigning on the doorstep for candidates right across the East Midlands and beyond and I'm looking forward to bringing that experience, vision and drive to East Midlands CF."

Sam with Loughborough MP and Education Secretary, Nicky Morgan.

Sam is the bookies favourite to win the election in the East Midlands in a CF Elections that has been dominated by decent candidates wanting to campaign hard for 2015.

#ThingsElliottSays will bring you more information  on the elections in his home area of the East Midlands. You can see what Sam is up to on his Facebook page here.

Exclusive: KCL Conservatives Back Kude

The Kings College London Conservatives have come out and backed Charlotte Kude to be Chairman of London CF.

The Vice President, Josh Boyle, on behalf of the society has told #ThingsElliottSays "King's College Conservatives are delighted to announce their endorsement of Charlotte Kude as London CF Chair. She has some very sound ideas, and we look forward to working with her closely should she be elected."

Charlotte seems to have gained a lot of support during her time as North-West London CF Chair and this has turned into on the ground support from major hitters* in the capital. She has told #ThingsElliottSays that the support she is getting from KCL's Tories "is fantastic news, the support of KCLCS will be vital to my campaign and I look forward to working closely with them if elected as London Chair."

*Major for CF anyway.

Excluisve: Team Paterson Launch Party

Team Paterson are having a launch party onboard the good ship Tattershall Castle, on the Embankment. The party kicks off at 6:30pm on 5th August, all are welcome and you can join in here. Oh yes and there is money behind the bar, so get in there quick.

Alexandra has told #ThingsElliottSays "I am delighted that we are launching the #TeamPaterson campaign at Tatershall Castle. It's going to be a fantastic evening, all welcome. We kick off at 6.30 and there will be money behind the bar. Looking forward to seeing everyone there!"

#ThingsElliottSays can reveal that Oliver Cooper will be hosting this party for Alexandra and her team. Oliver Cooper is backing Team Paterson in the CF elections as they are best placed to continue on with his good legacy.

Stephen Canning Hands Over Eastern Region To Cllr Tom Hunt

Stephen Canning the Eastern Region Chair, but better known for his leading roles in Towie and Made in Chelsea, has today officially handed over the Eastern Region CF website, twitter, Facebook and newsletter to Tom Hunt.

Stephen is standing in the up and coming CF elections and wants to make sure that he gains no unfair advantage over anyone wants to stand against him as Deputy Chairman (Political). Stephen ran for this position last year but narrowly missed out, he is thus having another go this August.

Stephen handing over control of the Eastern Region Facebook account.

Stephen has a lot of experience in politics. As well as running Eastern CF he is a well respected councillor in Braintree where he chairs the youth strategy board. Stephen is a management consultant and also a very keen marathon runner. He also announced today he will be running in the London Marathon for Tommy's, the baby charity. You can donate to his run here. 

Tom and Stephen in Braintree.

Stephen has handed over the running of all the Eastern Region accounts to my good friend Tom Hunt, who ran as an MEP in the European Elections earlier this year. Tom has said to #ThingsElliottSays "I will be assuming temporary control of Eastern Region CF's social media accounts and newsletter until after the upcoming CF elections as Stephen will be standing in the election and would not like to gain an unfair advantage."

Good luck Stephen in the CF Elections.

Exclusive: #ThingsKudeSays

#ThingsElliottSays has done an interview Charlotte Kude who is running to be London CF Chairman. Charlotte is a well respected and currently North West London CF Chairman.

1) How do you think the campaign is going at the moment? 

I must say I am very happy with the way the campaign is going at the moment; all candidates seem to be behaving rather professionally, at least compared to campaigns in previous years. 

2) Do you have any special plans for your campaign in the future?

Our current interim London CF Chairman Thomas Borwick is planning to host an informal hustings, with the date soon to be confirmed. I intend to meet as many London CFers as possible until the end of the campaign to make sure everyone's concerns are understood, and I certainly don't exclude a thank you party if I'm fortunate enough to win this election! 

Charlotte with the new Education Secretary, Nicky Morgan MP.

3) What is the number one thing you would do if elected as London CF Chair? 

If elected, the priority would be to surround myself with the best possible team. I want a more organised and efficient executive, able to meet the challenge of a general elections campaign. But equally I also want it to be representative of CF in London, which means including members from all areas and backgrounds, both students as well as young professionals. 

4) If elected how will you prepare CF for the General Election in London? 

We need to make sure everyone is included in the process and involve students, parliamentary researchers and other young professionals in the campaign. Ten months is a very short period of time to make a difference in a general election which is why we will have to make good use of all possible resources we can have to support our target seats. Big campaign days will be organised in these key marginals, and relevant training provided. But it's also important that everyone feels rewarded for their hard work with some opportunities to relax and network, so socialising will definitely play a key part in winning the elections.

5) What campaigning experience do you have? 

Campaigning is definitely my main strength as a candidate. I've both organised myself and taken part in a great number of action days across the country, focusing primarily on target constituencies or those in need of more help. In my role as Chairman of North-West London CF I regularly support various MPs and parliamentary candidates in 40/40 London seats such as Hampstead & Kilburn, Sutton & Cheam or Brentford & Isleworth. More recently, as a Roadtrip2015 coordinator, I also helped organise a big campaign day in Enfield North, which was attended by over 130 activists as well as multiple other road trips around the country.

Thanks Charlotte.

Dave taking a much better selfie that usual with Kude.