Conservative Democratic Organisation Conference

 Watch this first speech by John Strafford at the CDO Conference in Bournemouth on 13 May 2023.   This is the start of the revival of the Conservative Party and will be welcomed by all those who believe in democracy

Join us at the Conservative Democratic Conference in Bournemouth on May 13th

 

At last the voice of the members of the Conservative Party will be heard.

Come to the Conservative Democratic Organisation Conference on 13th May.   I look forward to seeing you.

How the Tory Party members were misled!

 The Birth of the Tory Party Constitution.

Click here to see the video.

Launch of the Conservative Democratic Organisation - complete article!

  The complete article as published in the Sunday Express Online 11 December 2022

22:00, Sat, Dec 10, 2022, | UPDATED: 10:16, Sun, Dec 11, 2022

The coronation of Sunak as PM ended faith in the Tory MPs - members must take back control

The appointment, or ‘coronation', of Rishi Sunak as British Prime Minister, without a vote being cast by Conservative Party members, and just a month after Sunak was rejected in a comprehensive member voting process has finally ended members' faith in any party democracy existing within the Conservative Party.

By LORD CRUDDAS, AND DAVID CAMPBELL BANNERMAN

As one member aptly put it: “There’s a deficit in party democracy, what they’ve said is we want your money, your time, and resources but we don’t want your opinion. After 40 years, I’m out. I won’t vote and I won’t forgive.”

The members’ vote led to many MPs rigging the voting process so that neither candidate was put to members for a vote – Boris had 102 and Mordaunt 98 – with media reports of threats and incentives to MPs supporting non-Sunak candidates to switch taking place all weekend before the vote.

Some of these MPs are reported even to be crowing over how successfully they blocked party members from having any say.

It is extraordinary to agree with the Daily Mirror when its front page asks: ‘Who Voted For You?’ and the Scottish Daily Record concluding this was the ‘Death of Democracy’.

It is the influence of these MPs that has robbed members of a vote on the Leader – which is hailed in membership literature as a right: saying ‘choosing candidates and vote in leadership elections - you can choose the people you want to represent you.’ This for an unwise hike in membership fees of 55% - to £39.

With the loss of a real say over MP selections, and now the Party Leader, and Party Conferences losing the ability to meet Ministers and influence policy through debates and resolutions, the ‘product offering’ of party membership is fast dying out.  

Membership has fallen from 500,000 when the new 1998 Constitution was introduced to 172,000 members who voted in the 2022 Leadership election.

That figure itself had been boosted when Boris Johnson became Leader and is now falling fast.

The 56 percent rise in the cost of membership announced earlier this week will undoubtedly reduce membership numbers even further.  

Members are overwhelmingly feeling ignored, steamrollered, and held in utter contempt by party leaders – feeling that their views count for nothing; and yet MPs expect them to do most of the work at elections.

This is a natural consequence of the demolition by CCHQ (Conservative Campaign Headquarters) of lines of communication between the members and the Parliamentary Party since that 1998 Party Constitution was enacted by William Hague. All the checks and balances which existed prior to 1998 were abolished.

It is little wonder now that a huge number of resignations have followed – the Telegraph suggesting at least one fifth of members left.

The member cancelling page on the Party’s website crashed. Comment groups are still alive with angry members resigning and attacking the lack of democracy.  

The constitutional expert and party democracy campaigner John Strafford helped draft the 1998 Constitution, but saw the democratic elements subsequently removed. He also wrote the Conservative Women’s Organisation (CWO) constitution.

A dismayed Mr Strafford explains that the situation today is that “the Chairman and Treasurer of the Party are appointed by the Leader so are unaccountable to the membership; there is no Annual General Meeting of members, so there is no formal forum for members to raise questions about the Party’s organisation, and the annual accounts are not tabled for approval at an AGM.”

“Selection of parliamentary candidates is controlled centrally, and the Party Board can take control of any constituency association which does not toe the line – and has done so. Basically, the Conservative Party is now a self-perpetuating oligarchy.”

But the solution is not for party members to create yet another new party, in an increasingly crowded field; especially when in a first-past-the-post system such parties are lucky to reach one per cent or two per cent vote share; and tend to win no seats.  

Instead, loyal Conservative Party members should come together to create – or indeed recreate – a truly democratic Conservative Party.

This is best done by a return to the successful pre-1998 model of a National Union of independent democratic Conservative Associations, to whom a smaller Central Office reports, and the end of the centralising 1998 Party Constitution, which has brought in excessive centralised control and social engineering at the expense of merit and democracy.

It is time for ordinary Conservative Party members to ‘take back control’. That is why we are establishing the Conservative Democratic Organisation (CDO), a new membership organisation to revitalise the current Conservative Party, shape its future values and structure and, crucially, eliminate its serious democratic failings.  

Over the next few months, we will begin the formation of independent CDO Conservative associations across the UK and launch a new Party Constitution to propose to the Conservative Party.

David Campbell Bannerman is the Chairman of The Freedom Association

Our proposals include:  

Directly electing the roles of Conservative Party Chairman, Deputy Chairman, Treasurer, Chairman of the Candidates Committee and Chairman of the Policy Forum.

Giving constituency associations the right to determine who their Conservative parliamentary candidate is with minimum interference by CCHQ. This includes both selecting and deselecting candidates.  

Scrapping the National Convention and replacing it with a General Meeting of the Party. This will stop the Party hierarchy from rubber stamping decisions.

The Spring Conference becoming a Policy Conference, located in a more affordable place, where Ministers would listen to members’ ideas on policies in their subject area, selected by motions submitted through local associations, as used to be standard.

The full October Party Conferences should be restored to their original glory, with the membership back in control, including motions for debates and votes.  

The Conservative Party is the most successful political party in the world. We do not need to replace it with a new centre-right party.

We need to revitalise it and reposition it back where it belongs - representing core conservative values. This is only possible by long overdue, serious, revolutionary reform of the way the Party functions.

Conservative Members should lose their vote for the Leader but regain control of the Party!

 

The following article was published on the Conservativehome web site on 11 November 2022

David Campbell-Bannerman speaks about Tory Party Democracy

 Essential Viewing for any Tory Party member.

Invitation to attend Conservative Party Conference Fringe Event

 

 Campaign for Conservative Democracy
invites you to attend:

1) Time for Conservative Party members to take control?

 - Six Essential Reforms.

2) Leadership Election – a Distortion of Democracy?

3) Conservative Philosophy and Values (see over)

- Discuss and debate.

TUESDAY 4th OCTOBER 2022 – 3pm

Lyttleton Lecture Theatre, Birmingham and Midland Institute, 9 Margaret Street, B3 3BS

Speakers: David Campbell-Bannerman Former MEP, John Strafford, and Graham Thomas
Chair: Mike Baker
ConservativesOnePersonOneVote

Does the Conservative Party have any values?

 

Are You a Conservative? Find out now!

 In order to be a member of the Conservative Party you have to agree to share its objects and values (shouldn’t that be objectives and values?).    Throughout the Constitution there is mention of the “Objects and Values”, and yet nowhere is there any definition or explanation of what these Objects and Values are. 

However, under the Code of Conduct for Members and Representatives of the Conservative Party it states:

“Objects and Values” of the Conservative Party

        These are set out in the Party Constitution. (where?).   The test we use to identify an object and value is objective based on relevant evidence.   That evidence may be common or historical knowledge, or common sense, Conservative manifestos past and present, guidance notes from the Party Board, Government policy and speeches from senior Party spokesmen including the Party leader and so on.

Have you ever read such gobbledygook?   So, a speech by a senior Party Spokesman can create a Conservative objective and value?   Objectives and values should reflect the DNA of the Conservative Party.   They should be based on a clear philosophy.   We show below our view of what Conservative Philosophy and Values should be.   As a Party these are what should unite us.

  Extracts from the Constitution of the Conservative Party - Objects and Values

PART I

 NAME, PURPOSE, OBJECTS AND VALUES

2  Its purpose is to sustain and promote within the Nation the objects and values of the Conservative Party. 

PART II

MEMBERSHIP 

3 The Party is a political Party for the Nation, open to all who share its objects and values and who undertake to be bound by this Constitution. The Party shall consist of its Members. Membership of the Conservative Party is not compatible with Membership of or, association with any other registered political party.  

PART IV

THE BOARD OF THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY

17.22  The suspension of membership or the expulsion from membership of any member whose conduct is in conflict with the purpose, objects and values of the Party as indicated in Part I Article 2 or which is inconsistent with the objects or financial well-being of an Association or the Party or be likely to bring an Association or the Party into disrepute. 

PART V

THE NATIONAL CONSERVATIVE CONVENTION

24  The functions of the National Conservative Convention shall be to

24.1 support and promote the objects and values of the Party.

                                                    SCHEDULE 7

RULES OF THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY ASSOCIATIONS COVERING A SINGLE CONSTITUENCY

2 OBJECTS 

The Objects of the Association shall be to sustain and promote the objects and values of the Party in the Parliamentary constituency of ...................... (“the Constituency”); to provide an effective campaigning organisation in the Constituency; to secure the return of Conservative Candidates at elections; and to raise the necessary funds to achieve these objectives; to contribute to the central funds of the Party.

We set out below what we believe the Philosophy (Objectives) and Values of the Conservative Party should be:   Do you Agree?

 

Conservative Party John Strafford interview with RTTV 5 February 2022

 I did an interview with RTTV after they gave me an undertaking that it would not be edited and shown in full like a live interview.   Here it is!

Mulled Wine and Mince Pies Forum December 11th

 Come and join us:

Campaign for Conservative Democracy

Forum

11am - 2pm Saturday, 11th December 2021
(coffee served from 10.30am)

@ All Saints Church Hall, Oval Way, Gerrards Cross, Bucks. SL9 8PZ

AGENDA :  Mulled Wine and Mince Pies Forum

The Conservative Party

       Party Organisation, Constituency News, Reports, Whats App.

 

Party Conference

       Questions to the Chairmen, Fringe meeting, other matters.

 

Selection of Candidates for the General Election

 

Covid 19, What now?

                                       

Immigration

 

Climate Change Conference. Was it worth it?

 

How Democracies Die!

 

The History of Democracy in the United Kingdom - A short lecture on democracy – “The Great Reform Act 1832”.

 

Any Other Business

 

1pm Lunch: A Ploughman’s Lunch will be available free of charge but a donation towards our costs of hall hire and lunch would be much appreciated.

Directions: Go north through Gerrards Cross on Packhorse Rd, passing Ethorpe Hotel.   Take 1^st left into Orchehill Avenue, then 2^nd right into Oval Way.   All Saints Church is on your left past Thorpe House School.

 

Date of next meeting: TBA

All are welcome and do bring a guest

  ……………………………........................................................................................

Conservative One Person One Vote  

§  Name………………………………......... Constituency………………………………….  Address………………………………....... Tel. No. ………………………………....…..
          ………………………………....... E-mail Address………………………………
          ……………………………….......                       ……………………………..
Post Code ………………………………..

I will/will not* be able to attend the meeting on 11^th December 2021 *delete as applicable.   I enclose a donation.   Please complete and return to:

COPOV, 15 North Drive, Beaconsfield, Bucks. HP9 1TZ
Tel. No. 01494 730599   E-mail: johnstrafford@btinternet.com

Northern Ireland. Forget the Sermons - First read the small print.

 

FORGET THE SERMONS - FIRST READ THE SMALL PRINT

 by

Mike Clitherow

Since before the 2016 referendum and continuing non-stop, those against GB leaving the EU, Including -  Joe Biden and other US Democrats , most EU bureaucrats, several European politicians (particularly the French)  and of course our own Re-joiners  - have been pursuing the following rhetoric:

“You must not go against or interfere with the 1998  Good Friday Agreement 

There must be No Hard Border between Northern Ireland and the  Republic thereby ensuring peace “.

Well, we all agree with that don’t we!

 BUT the question is how many of these people have actually sat down and studied

in detail what is actually in this document?.  Given that within the GFA there is a

total lack of references to trade - I suggest not many have actually read it.

They are simply using this agreement to weaponize and  “beat up” the UK  for daring

to leave the EU. Others particularly Sleepy Joe see it as a route to a united Ireland

 The point is that now We the Little people need to ask “where is the evidence that any part of this peace agreement is threatened by the UK not being part of this inward-looking Trade Block called the EU and us wanting the whole of our country to be recognised and operate as a free independent sovereign state making its own laws and trading internally without interference ? ”

Have these people read and understood the GFA?

Having read the agreement some years ago and again recently – On behalf of the Little people I have some queries for the experts to answer.

• QUESTION - Where is trade/commercial activity mentioned in this document?

Yes we were part of the EU free trade area at that the time it was signed but between

the North & South there are already two different - currencies - corporation taxes and VAT rates - As well as different fuel, alcohol and tobacco duties none are mentioned in this agreement.

However, we have manged to work these between our two countries for many years

with little problem.

ANSWER - there is no mention of trade and commercial activity in the GFA.

 The Good Friday Agreement – is a fantastic declaration of peace and disarmament

by both the authorities and the terrorist gangs of both persuasions including release

of prisoners plus the future prosperity of N I.  - That’s it!

 Hard Border -  Part of this disarmament and standing down in this agreement is by implication to get rid of any so-called Hard Border  by withdrawing the military and their infrastructure along the divide between the North and South.

It’s gone!!!  never to return we hope.

 This peace agreement is wonderfully worded over 35 pages and here are some of the clauses that jump out.

·         Recognise the legitimacy of whatever choice is freely exercised by a majority of the people of N I with regard to its status, whether they prefer to continue their support of the Union of GB or a sovereign united Ireland.

·         Democratically elected Assembly in N I - to protect the rights and  interests of all sides of the community.

·         The Westminster Parliament (whose power to make legislation for Northern Ireland would remain unaffected)

·         ….the British Government will pursue broad policies for sustained economic growth and stability in N. I.

Yes very selective quotes but for sure very important as they are about freedom/peace and the NI population’s ability to make choices whilst remaining in the UK for the foreseeable future.

OK included in the GFE is reference to working with the EU but only in as much as a British Irish Council to consider the EU dimensions in relevant matters…... No mention of a role for the ECJ.

 Also, two excellent sections on Decommissioning and Security BUT still no reference to cross border trade.

If you haven’t already done so please read the whole thing yourself then try to figure out how will trading between two countries – one in the EU one out - differ to how smoothly it happens in the majority of the world and how it will it cause murder and bloodshed?

 IN CONCLUSION

We of course all know that North to South checks on goods if kept in line with what

happens in most countries internationally would be approx. 2% of all shipments 

this can mostly be done electronically  and the use of trusted exporter schemes,

Any physical checks if needed can be done prior to shipment or on arrival in the

Republic away from the border.

THIS THEN CAN NEVER BE CONSIDERED AS A HARD BORDER

– check out the Switzerland and Norway interface with the EU.

It’s up to the EU (represented by the Republic Ireland) to sort out the mechanisms if they

don’t trust the UK not to send them products and produce that will harm their population and environment. Plus, the South North movement of goods would be very light touch on the British side.

 We hear the cry  BUT BREXIT has changed everything – NO IT HASN’T  - this agreement is and will be respected in full.  

NOW:  Are all people and groups mentioned in paragraph 1 saying such a system would cause the IRA to start bombing and shooting people again?

 ·         My personal view is No as any shipment delays and refusal of entry would be instigated by the Republic for goods going South. Going the other way would be no real problem.

·         If people really believe yes – then why is the future of 1,900,000+ peoples future for economic growth and the ability to have their own elected politicians  represent them (rather than interference from Brussels and the ECJ) is all about pacifying a small terrorist organisation – makes no sense.

·  The real threat is very rowdy demonstrations by Unionists if we do not stop this nonsense of a  border down the North sea and therefore within our own country.

Of course, all above will be called a simplification of the situation

– BUT STOP and STEP BACK  – perhaps a simple thought process works.

 

Feed-back welcomed.

 

Mike Clitherow

 

Northern Ireland Protocol. By Mike Clitherow

 

N I PROTOCOL

- WHERE IS THE EVIDENCE THAT THIS RULING HAS SAVED ANYONE FROM BEING EXPOSED TO SUB STANDARD/DANGEROUS PRODUCTS???

 

We have heard so much from the EU Big Wigs and European politicians about how important it is to have checks on goods going from one part of the United Kingdom to another – mainland UK to Northern Ireland  - it is therefore vital to actually research  how effective these checks have been.  For example, how many people in the EU 27 and particularly the Irish have been protected from poisoning or their environment contaminated from products or produce shipped from the mainland. Which surely is the whole point of why inspections were demanded - isn’t it ???

 The way to establish this is for the Civil Service to research what percentage of products since the start of this EU operation have been refused entry for being genuinely sub-standard. That is taking aside the nonsense of the wrong colour ink on some of the paperwork or not being give 10 out of 10 by the EU  for other “naughty boy” homework errors in the huge volume of pointless form filling.

 The vast majority of us have no dispute with the theory that this trading block (can’t call it a county just yet) wanting to maintain standards for their member states is an understandable goal. I myself over many years was involved in having products produced in the Far East and then shipping them to several different EU countries. Although it’s worth noting that some of the rules to be able to obtain the laboratory certification (and therefore use the CE marking) for my products were to say the least “over the top” and not in line with other international standards but were certainly expensive and time consuming.

OK that was what was demanded and to complete  sales legally  we went with the flow and had to suffer delays and reduced profit margins – such is business.

Now if the EU protocol for NI is to protect the EU population  and is not there as some devious device to punish us for daring to leave the EU (surely that could not be the case) let’s now see the results of what they have achieved.

I believe this will be a very small percentage, as if products complied before we left the EU it is very unlikely suppliers’ standards would have dropped – realistically the reverse would be true to make sure of supply continuity.

My contention is that these bureaucratic rules have achieved virtually nothing since their introduction in terms of saving people’s health and the environment. Plus, the likely small % of items that may have been rejected are probably only marginally outside the regs. for purely technical/paper work reasons and would have done no harm to anyone anyway if they had not been checked.

 By getting these figures published in the Media the NI protocol  in respect of products/items from the UK will be shown up for  what it is.

 I had an opportunity to put this point to David Frost at the Cons. Conference after his presentation at the Centre for Brexit fringe meeting (he made a great speech BTW) and asked him to release these numbers to the Media.

He acknowledged this could be an important point and would see what he could do. 

I have since dropped him a line to emphasise the importance of testing the validity of these border checks by using the numbers – Of course he is a very busy man - let’s see if he has time to follow this through.

 BTW – has anyone heard in any speech from Mr Sefcovic /other EU bureaucrats or any French  politician utter the words “We acknowledge that Northern Ireland is part of the independent sovereign state of the United Kingdom ”

Don’t hold your breath as for sure they seem not to want to admit this basic fact – perhaps they don’t know.

 Anyway 16 has always been one of my favourite numbers – hope to hear it quoted again soon.

 Your feedback is welcomed.

Mike Clitherow