I was just leaving a meeting with a long-term client on Wednesday evening where we talked about their bank accounts and small investment portfolio when a call came through to me from the Chairman of the Party's office. I was asked whether I would like to be included in a list of six candidates from whom local Conservatives in Bromsgrove will select their new candidate for parliament at the forthcoming General Election.
Several years ago when I applied to join the approved list of Conservative candidates I made it clear that my real interest would be to represent a constituency in the West Midlands which is my home, and has been home to my family for more than 300 years. To now have that opportunity, especially in Bromsgrove which I know so well, is a huge opportunity and considerable honour.
The selection takes place in just two weeks time on 6th February. Suddenly its quite possible that my life, and Juliet's life, may be about to be turned upside down in a way that we really hadn't expected this year. But its a fantastic opportunity to represent some of the kindest hearted people in the world as MP for Bromsgrove.
So of course I said yes. Actually I said rather more than that but had better not blog language quite so colourful!
My home has been in Edgbaston, Birmingham, for all of my life. I have never applied for elected office before, but have worked for the same firm as an investment adviser for over sixteen years. My father's family were brassfounders manufacturing taps and bells in Birmingham, and my mother's family were farmers and butchers from Cradley Heath and latterly Abberley in Worcestershire. So, this is my home patch. I'm steeped in an understanding of the industrial heritage that made this region, and I've chosen to stay here for the excellent lifestyle that the West Midlands brings from my love of music and the CBSO, to Aston Villa, to the ease of access to such beautiful countryside. But most of all, I love this region because we are a people at ease with ourselves. How much London has to learn!
So, I will pledge this. If the members of the Conservative Party in Bromsgrove select me, and the people of the constituency elect me, I will serve them with absolute commitment and integrity for as long as they wish me to serve.
Worcestershire is a truly special county where have spent so much time for almost all of my schooling, and I hope to have the chance to represent it with the commitment that so many others including my friends Peter Luff, Julie Kirkbride and Sir Michael Spicer have done for so many years.
