I have a lot of ambitions for Conservative Future: my primary aim being to increase membership. More members give us a larger voice, a real sense of purpose and will ultimately turn us into a leading CF group and hopefully one of the most influential societies on campus.
I have had a lot of experience with student politics, having been involved since the beginning of secondary school right through to University, where I have represented my residence association. I have also had a lot of experience with Conservative Future. I joined the party when I was fifteen-years-old and attended my first conference whilst shadowing my MP over three years ago. In 2005 I joined my local Conservative association committee, helping to fight in the general election. It gave me some invaluable experiences which will always stick with me.
Increasing membership will not happen by itself. We need a bigger, more accurate voice on campus. We won’t do this just by increasing events; they need to be fresh, more varied and more accessible. I will make it my aim to do this. I believe that the continuation of high profile speakers, working with other University societies and the publicity of our changing society will be key. It is also essential to lose the damaging connotations that are presently associated with BUCF.
Being a leading and influential association will not be enough. Having a voice on campus is important but winning in our local constituencies is at the heart of our next Conservative government. We have a lot to offer local constituencies. We are more than just a bunch of student helpers: we are an indispensable campaigning force and we must make certain we are considered as such.
I’d like to end by thanking Joseph Brewer for the hard work he has put into changing Conservative Future. He has laid the groundwork for us to become a vital organ of the National Party in winning the next general election. I’d also like to thank Daniel Cowdrill who has been invaluable to BUCF over the past year and without him it is clear BUCF would not be what it is today.
Best Wishes
Theo Lomas
Chairman, University of Birmingham Conservative Future.
15/03/2007 at 09:16 |
Thanks for the introduction. Best of luck.
15/03/2007 at 17:00 |
This seems like as good an opportunity as any to thank last years committee, I’ve very much enjoyed being a member and look forward to next year! This blog in particular has been very captivating, and I read it almost as regularly as the likes of Iain Dale and Guido Fawkes, so all credit to Dan for that.
16/03/2007 at 18:57 |
As the former Chair of BUCF, I would like to wish you all the best Theo in your new role.
There can be no doubting that it is an exciting time to be a Conservative, both locally and nationally, and it is imperative that BUCF is there to meet the challenges ahead.
In Edgbaston, our excellent PPC Deirdre Alden has been doing sterling work in spreading the Party’s message on the environment, crime, health and council tax. She is very adept on being there for her constituents.
Around the City, it is very exciting. We have excellent Councillors working hard for local residents and come April and May, CF will have a crucial role to play in helping our Councillors to be re-elected to continue their fine work.
We have been a force in the past. Councillor Jane James was re-elected in May of last year, thanks in no small part to the events of our society.
We are a force now. Joe has taken the society to a new level, with some excellent events hosted.
And we will be a force over the next year. I am delighted to read your thoughts Theo and am thrilled that you seek to put campaigning and member recruitment at the heart of your Chairmanship. It is essential that we gain more members. But it is not all about gaining members- we need to also keep members.
Nationally, David Cameron has put the Party at the heart of the country’s hearts and minds. We are none points ahead in the Polls. Yet there is work to be done.
BUCF has the chance to be at the heart of the University and the heart of the City. Lets make sure we do it.