Thursday 30 September 2010

Conservative Future - Regional Control?

London Spin has the scoop on the new Conservative Future Chairman, Ben Howlett's plans to decentralise power to the Regional Chairman of CF.

Creating Regional Chairmen was one of the most logical things that Michael Rock managed during his time at the helm. Mirroring the senior Party in this way ensured a much greater co-ordination between the two groups, and aided in the relationship-building that CF has managed with CCHQ/CRO.

Howlett's plans make a lot of sense. It has always been a Conservative instinct to avoid centralised control wherever possible, and the idea of allowing regional Chairs to get on with things is an attractive one. He will have to ensure, however, that they take up the opportunity he is providing.

As with any voluntary organisation, you get differing levels of activity depending on how much time people can afford to offer. As a result, at times certain regions have felt a bit bereft of direction, with RCs more than a little distant. The lack of opposition at a regional level in many areas during the CF elections is also cause for concern. People always step up to the plate where there is a bit of competition.

Let's hope that the RCs take the chance they have been given, and run with it. Activity and interest levels can only increase further if they do.

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