The Witham result is a resounding victory for Priti Patel and the forward looking Conservative Party.
Poor Ali Miraj must be
feeling sick with himself for shooting himself in the foot, but he has graciously congratulated her, acknowledging it as a bright day for the Conservative Party and indicative of progress.
I’m thrilled and excited for Priti, confident that this gold list candidate will be superb, using all her communication skills to engage with supporters from all parties in this winnable Witham constituency.
Hopefully this selection will demonstrate that the Conservative Party is not as predictable as people think, it is ready for change and a vibrant future which Priti will help lead.
Yes, Iain Dale felt the same way but what worries me is if the Tories move too far towards the centre. I understand that one must capture the middle ground but some principles are above that.
I think Priti will be a great asset for Essex. It will certainly be a help for me as political editor and lobby correspondent of the East Anglian Daily Times to get a female perspective on politics – assuming of course she’s elected!
Do you realise Suffolk has never sent a woman to Westminster? Neither has north Essex, although of course Epping, Southend, Billericay, Basildon and Thurrock have had women MPs.
Incidentally, congratulations are in order for one time Euro MP for Essex North and Suffolk South Anne McIntosh, who has won the nomination for the ultra safe seat of Thirsk and Malton.
Elle, why do you claim that “Hopefully this selection will demonstrate that the Conservative Party is not as predictable as people think, it is ready for change and a vibrant future which Priti will help lead.”?
Is it because she is female or an ethnic minority?
I would like to think that she was chosen because she was the best candidate rather than because her gender or ethnicity somehow ‘proves’ that the Conservative Party has changed!
Snafu, I think that’s exactly the reason why Priti was selected, but then I expect all the finalists were superb candidates. I’m thrilled that they chose a very talented woman who will inject a breath of fresh air into the constituency, to work alongside our more traditional Tories.
Graham, I didn’t realise Suffolk had never had a woman MP. I don’t think Norfolk has at the moment either, though they were fortunate to have had Gillian Sheperd for many years. I look forward to reading your interview with Priti, I’m sure it won’t be too far away. And maybe Charles Elphicke and James Brockenshire will follow your suggestion to try for Colchester, Ipswich and Waveney.
http://www.eadt.co.uk/content/eadt/blogs/dines_days.aspx
Ellee, so it’s ok for an ethnic minority woman to be chosen because she’s an ‘ethnic minority woman’ but not for a white male to be chosen because he’s a ‘white male’!?!
The difference being…
Snafu, You are trying to wind me up…..
The best candidate should always be chosen; it’s the only way to win. If Priti was the best, and there’s no reason to suggest otherwise, then good luck to her.
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
The word “gender” is an adjective that refers to French nouns. It can be masculine or feminine, NEVER male or female!
The word for describing whether someone is male or female is SEX!
Yes, I said SEX!!!
Don’t be scared of using it – it is the right word! Don’t be lured into a false “political correctness”! Let’s keep our treasured English Langue intact!
Jim, You are right, we don’t say it often enough! I shall be on my guard from now on.
Now to find a seat for Ellee….
Ellee, need I say more!?!
I was even more thrilled about the news that Sandi Toksvig is to stand for the Lib Dems.
We need more hobbits in Parliament.
Ian, Sandy will be a great character candidate, I can see why you are thrilled.
I checked out your web and read your background, about your brain injury, I am a trustee for Headway Cambs and hope to have an excellent post written by a guest blogger who suffered head injuries, he was a well known journalist and his life has now changed for ever. I hope you are recovering well.