Looking Back on a Year with London CF

There has been change in London Conservative Future like none before and it is down to all who have participated over the last year.

This year’s 2011 Conservative Party  Conference marked the official anniversary of my time as Chairman of London CF but it is around this time of year that we successfully elected Area Chairmen across the Capital which, in terms of grassroots activity, has had wider significance.

Without an in-built Area structure there was quite a mountain for me and the Area Chairman to climb especially as many took on Areas newly-formed by my move to increase localism through the creation of five Areas instead of the original three. Despite the inevitable hiccups, as we all learnt along the way, I am pleased to say that the Area Chairmen have engendered a flourishing in activity and membership growth at the grassroots. In line with this communication with activists at all levels has improved significantly with our own website, membership lists, Facebook groups and twitter accounts as well as regular regional and area emails.

At the Regional Executive level much is also to be commended. Working with Einy Shah, Deputy-Chairman Political, we delivered a great campaigning operation during the No to AV campaign that won recognition from both the party as well as our political opponents. Not only this but countless Regional Super Saturdays and Area Campaign Days that have helped new London MPs consolidate their seats and councillors succeed in many by-elections. In the months to come it is this level of operation that we seek to surpass in the campaign to re-elect Boris Johnson as Mayor of London, campaigning for which has already kicked-off in close co-operation with CCHQ and Back Boris.

Our Young Professional events, run by London CF Deputy-Chairman Michael Bull, have attracted a whole new demographic of CFers whose needs have often been neglected. Mixing great venues with great speakers has built a social dimension that is responsible, stimulating and fun. On the other end of the scale the council I created to represent students, the London Universities Conservative Council (LUCC), has entered its second term. The council is increasingly working to co-ordinate activities between the university student groups and under new Chairman Jon Boulton I foresee the council playing and important role on campuses. In the New Year I also look forward to the London-wide debate competition entering its second year which has already proved to be an engaging and skilful series.

My personal highlights were the organising of the Boris Johnson fundraiser which raised £4,000 for his campaign (more here) and winning the 2010/2011 National Excellence Award for Membership from the Prime Minister. However, we can’t be complacent as there is still more to be done. Over the coming months our main priority has to be Boris’ election but we must also do more in the areas of Social Action and school outreach. CF is a diverse organisation and whilst we have improved the representation of young professional and student groups there are still others that find themselves neglected, this needs to be addressed.

Finally, our past efforts need to be consolidated so that when a new generation takes over London CF they find an organisation that is fit for purpose that can continue on its path of growth without unnecessary disturbance. Not only this but an organisation that is both respected and admired by CFers, the Party and our elected representatives up and down the country. I very much hope that in the years to come this kind of experience can be emulated throughout the country so that London is not the central hub of Conservative Future activity.

I wish to end by thanking all the London team, the five Area Chairmen (Jason, Will, Harriet, Tom and Alex) and the Regional Executive, in particular Einy Shah and Michael Bull, as well as the all-important activists who make London CF what it is; a CF region to be proud of!

For more about me visit www.nicolasclark.co.uk or my Facebook Page.