In order to be a member of the Conservative Party you have to agree to share its objects and values (shouldn’t that be objectives and values?). Throughout the Constitution there is mention of the “Objects and Values”, and yet nowhere is there any definition or explanation of what these Objects and Values are.
However, under the Code of Conduct for Members and Representatives of the Conservative Party it states:
“Objects and Values” of the Conservative Party
These are set out in the Party Constitution. (where?). The test we use to identify an object and value is objective based on relevant evidence. That evidence may be common or historical knowledge, or common sense, Conservative manifestos past and present, guidance notes from the Party Board, Government policy and speeches from senior Party spokesmen including the Party leader and so on.
Have you ever read such gobbledygook? So, a speech by a senior Party Spokesman can create a Conservative objective and value? Objectives and values should reflect the DNA of the Conservative Party. They should be based on a clear philosophy. We show below our view of what Conservative Philosophy and Values should be. As a Party these are what should unite us.
Extracts from the Constitution of the Conservative Party - Objects and Values
PART I
NAME, PURPOSE, OBJECTS AND VALUES
2 Its purpose is to sustain and promote within the Nation the objects and values of the Conservative Party.
PART II
MEMBERSHIP
3 The Party is a political Party for the Nation, open to all who share its objects and values and who undertake to be bound by this Constitution. The Party shall consist of its Members. Membership of the Conservative Party is not compatible with Membership of or, association with any other registered political party.
PART IV
THE BOARD OF THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY
17.22 The suspension of membership or the expulsion from membership of any member whose conduct is in conflict with the purpose, objects and values of the Party as indicated in Part I Article 2 or which is inconsistent with the objects or financial well-being of an Association or the Party or be likely to bring an Association or the Party into disrepute.
PART V
THE NATIONAL CONSERVATIVE CONVENTION
24 The functions of the National Conservative Convention shall be to
24.1 support and promote the objects and values of the Party.
SCHEDULE 7
RULES OF THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY ASSOCIATIONS COVERING A SINGLE CONSTITUENCY
2 OBJECTS
The Objects of the Association shall be to sustain and promote the objects and values of the Party in the Parliamentary constituency of ...................... (“the Constituency”); to provide an effective campaigning organisation in the Constituency; to secure the return of Conservative Candidates at elections; and to raise the necessary funds to achieve these objectives; to contribute to the central funds of the Party.
We set out below what we believe the Philosophy (Objectives) and Values of the Conservative Party should be: Do you Agree?
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Lord Feldman’s Conservative Party Review 2016 Report found:
ReplyDelete- “The greatest motivator for joining [the Conservative Party] was simply to support Conservative principles and make the country a better place.”
- “A general theme was that the Party does not tend to talk enough about values or use these to encourage membership.”
A clear statement of "Conservative Values" should be readily available to all members, and be a basis for a common understanding and communication. Also as a support to the Constitution.
ReplyDeleteI hope the Party can see that such a statement will generate enthusiasm amongst Conservative-leaning voters-at-large, re-invigorate membership and provide a reason for voting Conservative.
It should be available at the Party website homepage.
Hear Hear!
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