The appalling story of how the Tory Party fixes its MEP candidates is told on ConservativeHome. This won’t be picked up on Fleet Street, as MEPs are such a boring business. But it raises serious questions about the Conservatives’ commitment to localism in running the country, if this is how they treat their own party members.
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David
April 3rd, 2008 1:41pmNo it doesn't. Political parties are machines for winning elections. They aren't countries. It's like complaining the armed forces aren't run democratically.
Dave B
April 4th, 2008 4:32am"it raises serious questions about the Conservatives’ commitment to localism"
Very true. Actions speak louder than words, and I don't like what CCHQ's actions are saying here.
Fraser Nelson
April 5th, 2008 11:53amDavid, if CCHQ just said "we'll appoint the MEP candidates" - in the same way that the army appoints generals - then fair enough. My problem is that it pretends this is done from the grassroots level, and then fixes it. There is an inherent dishonesty here, which troubles me a great deal. Will it be repeated in government? Will Cameron's speechwriters do one thing, and the Cameron machine another? Of course one cannot read too much into the MEP selection. But we are taking so much on trust with the Cameron mission - which I applaud overall. But the huge question hanging around any candidate promising radical reform is this: "is his heart in it?" that's why this MEP selection scandal is an ominous sign.