The Rock Blog

If Conservative Future is to grow into a mainstream political force, we need to develop from our standing as the dominant youth organisation and start delivering the message of Conservatism on a much bigger scale, to a much larger audience. We are not going to convert the apathetic solely by pushing ‘In Touch’ through letterboxes. This approach is not even engaging the majority of CF members.

One question frequently asked by people is just how much influence does Conservative Future have? The answer is, really, not a great deal, but it ought to. One field into which Conservative Future needs to develop if it is to increase its influence is protesting. We ought to be truly on the frontlines of twenty-first century politics.

A typical example of such an opportunity is the referendum on the EU Constitution we were promised by Labour. We, the people, have been cheated out of this. We were partly to blame. Conservative Future did nothing to put pressure upon Labour to deliver on their pledge. Our leadership at national level failed to seize, or even recognize, the opportunity.

Second chances in politics are somewhat rare, and yet we have been given one – and we’re still failing to seize it. Referenda are being held all over the country as an act of protest. Conservative Future is ideally placed to get involved with these, by promoting them, and make the Conservative case for a ‘No’ vote. It is after all in our Party’s manifesto! Instead, though, we’re doing nothing. Again.

Conservative Future ought to place protesting and law-abiding demonstration at the heart of its remit, along with campaigning for our candidates, and social action projects in our local communities. All three approaches have their strengths and weaknesses, but their combined effect will be to dominate through education the political discourse and ensure that our voice is perceived as the voice of reason.

We need to make a ‘National Day’ truly national; mini-bussing 20 activists to the opposite end of the country denigrates the impact and effort that CF members put into their constituencies all over the country.

My plans will create a ‘buzz’ for the entire nation, not merely a select few. These plans include:

• On a CF National Day six events will occur in the six areas of the country
• The six events on any ‘National Day’ will be different; some will be campaigning sessions, some social action projects or protests.
• The Area Chairs co-ordinate amongst their region to maximise turnout
• Every CF member can be involved, for less time and cost

This proposal also means will can cover 36 marginal seats a year on the National Days - 24 more than at present! Also, it was devised to increase the chance of repeat campaigning: people will develop an affinity and a relationship with their region and candidate. We should remember all the work our members do, outside of the limelight: the biggest impact we make is at local level.

That simple fact is how we can build momentum behind CF; by building local strength and then combining forces to a deliver a truly national impact.