Executive Council Draft New Conservative Party Constitution (5)

 

Draft New Conservative Party Constitution (5)

Review of the Conservative Party Constitution - Phase 3

Document sent to Party members by the Chairman of the National Convention, Julian Ellacott 29 January 2026

Suggested changes:

6 Executive Council

Sch 7-11

6.1.3

Existing: 6.1.3 [One or more – which number must be defined] representatives from each ward, The Association may list the wards in order to vary the number according to the size of the ward. if the ward is covered by a single branch, that branch may elect the representative(s) at its AGM;

Proposed

[NUMBER] representatives from each ward, who shall be on the electoral roll in that ward

Should we clarify what “ward” means, in two tier council areas? (Eg the higher tier)

Should this remain a variable, or be fixed at (for example) 1 per ward, regardless?

Or should it be tied to the number of elected councillors (regardless of party) per ward (so that there is some reflection of underlying electorate size)?

Or should there be greater flexibility but with second line agreement by Area, eg “The number and distribution of ward representatives shall be agreed immediately after each AGM between the Management Team and Area Management Executive, and must balance the need for broad equality of electors covered by each representative with the need for the Executive Council to be of an appropriate total size to fulfil its role effectively, taking into account any guidance issued by the Board

Should there be substitutes for ward representatives?

Should they be required to be on the electoral roll in the relevant ward, or is this too restrictive?

Should the Management Team be able to appoint ward representatives if they cannot be filled otherwise (and in such cases these roles could be made non-voting)?

Agree that representatives should be on the electoral roll in that ward

Otherwise Stick to the existing rule.   Why get into more bureaucracy and why should once again .”taking account of any guidance issued by the Board”   A Constitution should be certain, not subject to alterations which ordinary members never get told about.

6.1.5. Proposed

An elected member of the principal local authority or authorities in which the Association operates, nominated by the Conservative Group Leader;

Should the provision about living within the constituency be retained (especially in an era of larger unitaries)?   Yes

Existing

6.1.11 Up to four further persons co-opted by the Executive Council

Proposed

The Executive Council shall cease to exist at the start of each Annual General Meeting, and shall be re-formed immediately following the Annual General Meeting.  The Management Team shall oversee the re-election or re-appointment of all positions except those which are ex officio.

A full list of the Executive Council membership shall be provided to all members of the Association annually, following its formation.

Stick to existing clause but add proposed addition to it.

Sch 7-13

6.5.1

Proposed: . The Executive Council shall have all powers necessary (subject to any resolutions of the Association made at an Annual General Meeting or a Special General Meeting) to manage the affairs of the Association and its membership, including any Committees, provided that their actions do not contradict the purpose of the Party or objective of the Association, or any direction from the Board.

Delete “or any direction from the Board”   More interference by the Board!