Thursday, 7 August 2014

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.”

Wednesday, 6 August 2014

Bye, Bye Warsi


I'm no fan on Baroness Warsi. She was purely terrible at her job and probably represents the last of women promoted in the Conservative party because they tick the female box of the modernisers' agenda. Thank god she is gone.

Warsi was an abysmal Party Chairman. In my opinion the best thing about her time in Milbank was that she sent #ThingsElliottSays a letter congratulating him over the help he gave during the 2010 General Election (mind you thousands of these were probably sent out). What did she actualy do? She wasn't very good at invigorating party members and she had no strategy to attack Labour. When Grant Shapps came in he started immediately to attack Labour with the poster of 'Labour Isn't Learning'. Why were we not preparing for the next General Election under Warsi?




Furthermore what did she do in the Foreign Office? All she seemed to do was put up barriers to the policies to control the Trojian Horse problems in some Islamic schools. Furthermore, she tried to stop a government strategy on better integration of communities. She wasn't exactly great when it came to dealing with terrorism or the causes of radicalisation. No wonder she was slowly cut out by the Government and civil servants.


The peak of her career must have been going on Question Time against Nick Griffin. She did shoe him to be the closable racist that he was. Mind you everyone else on that panel did too.


Its a surprise she didn't go in the re-shuffle. Dave has made a mistake because he has to deal with this mad ex-minister briefing against the Government without any satisfaction of getting rid of her himself. Her excuse over Gaza was a feeble one too. She had been rightly sidelined by all other members of the Government because of her incompetence, this was the real reason why she went.


But now at least we have a one good thing to say about all the Women around the Cabinet table. All of them are there because they are good at their jobs. Gone are lefty days in the Conservatives where having a pair of breasts was enough to push you up several notches. The likes of Nicky Morgan, Liz Truss, Esther McVey are there because they are exceptional. We need more women like them.

Tuesday, 5 August 2014

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.





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."

The Exceedingly Late #WeeklyPollLowdown

#ThingsElliottSays has received a number of complaints. Of course there is the usual garbage from disgruntled YI members, Sarah Jane, and Cllr Sam Fletcher but this time some eagle eyed readers have pointed out something I am prepared to act upon. The 'weekly' poll put up at the end of February or the beginning of March has yet to finish. Bet you're all excited to see the final results come in.


With 195 there is a very good sample of votes and therefore it can be said with some degree of certainty that the majority of people think the Church of England does have some sway on politics. However, a lot of people still think it has no influence on the nations decision making process.

Does the Church of England have any sway on Politics nowadays?

Yes
 24%
A bit 
35%
No
41%
Unsure
 1%

Total votes: 195

The Church seems to have a very limited, if not any power over parliament and its decisions. Of course have a special slot in the House of Lords and the Church of England is still in theory a cornerstone in our constitution that outlines the theocratic absolutist monarchy we live in, but they are no longer striking accord with the legislators.

On social issues the Church has very little power when it comes Acts of Parliament. The Church has opposed greater rights for gay people and women bishops until pretty recently in the grand scheme of things. However, this didn't stop Parliament passing the Equal Marriage Act or pushing for women to have a more equal status for society. Whatever people's views are on the subject the Church is seen by the majority of legislators, many of them committed Christians, as not in touch with modern life.

The Church.

The Church seems to do much better on the face of it at influencing the powers that be on economic matters. Their messages are used especially by the Labour party to promote their ideas of equality. The living wage and zero contract hours have all been backed by the Church of England. This seems somewhat bizarre as the Church comments on Hayek and Keynes using the bible. #ThingsElliottSays does not remember the passage of Jesus backing the living wage*. It seems like the Church has completely gone back on the previous saying of 'the Church of England is the Conservative Party at prayer'. It's backed Labour a lot over recent years, but it is following not leading. Perhaps this is because the Church and its bureaucracy is run more by a metropolitan elite like Labour?

Results of a Con Home poll on the Church's political leanings.

What's most interesting about the state of the Church of England is that when it comes to politics most people form their own views. Look at Dave for instance, a committed Anglican who has backed gay marriage to the hills. Even amongst its active membership the Church finds problems influencing them on matters of politics.

Vote in the next poll.


*Please do not start a theological debate over this point.

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.

Monday, 4 August 2014

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."