Charles Barwell stands for election to the Conservative Party Board
Charles with Birmingham City Council Leader, Cllr Mike Whitby, at the announcement that Birmingham is to host the Conservative Party Conference in 2008 and 2010
Every year the members of the Conservative Party elect five members to represent them on the Board of the Party.
Members of the Party from across the country have encouraged me to stand, and after a lot of thought, today I can announce that I shall be a candidate for election as a vice-president of the Party's National Convention and member of the Party Board. The election takes place in Nottingham on 17th March.
I have served our Party for the past fifteen years at every level from Polling District Captain, to Constituency Chairman, from local election agent and constituency election director, to Regional Deputy Chairman. From the grassroots to the conference stage I have encouraged new people to join us, new candidates to stand, and have helped raise the money to fund our campaign.
Over those fifteen years I have met Conservatives from right across the country. I’ve been impressed by Conservative Future members, with flair, enthusiasm and a great sense of fun. I’ve worked for councillors who deliver exceptional local services with unrecognised dedication. And I’ve felt the pain and anguish when hard working candidates have failed to be elected.
“The times they are a changing” sang Bob Dylan. Disappointed by the failure of New Labour, Britain is ready for a government that delivers what it promises on the issues that matter.
In business I have been successful in managing investments for a cross section of individuals, pension schemes and charities, and now work closely with a major bank. I hope to bring the efficiency, loyalty and customer service that I see in my business to the Board of the Party, and help us all to deliver David Cameron into Downing Street as Prime Minister at the next election.
And above all, as a vice-president of the National Convention I will bring real down to earth Brummie politics to the Board working to ensure that the whole party is ready for the General Election.
Working with the Board and all of you I will focus on five areas:
Maintaining a United Party
Joined up thinking at all levels of the Conservative Party
Ensuring constituencies have the resources to deliver a strong campaign
Training – ensuring that we are at the forefront of IT and new campaigning techniques
Mentoring and advising candidates to ensure that they work effectively
I'm keen to hear what your principal concerns are. The Board's priorities have to be those of the Party membership. We are a team representing you, and making sure that you all know what is going on.
