I understand that a major reorganisation is underway at CCHQ. So far I have been able to glean that the Conservative Research Department is being considerably downgraded with most of its staff being transferred to work from the House of Commons to be closer to their Shadow Cabinet Ministers, with only the political unit remaining at Victoria Street. The press department is also being reorganised. Francis Maude has called a full staff meeting for 2pm. It is not known if either of these moves will lead to job losses, but that is certainly the fear.
My reading of this - and I may be wrong - is that it could be a precursor to the complete shutdown of CCHQ by the end of the year. The lease runs out and it is too late to refurbish Smith Square. Can a modern day political party operate without a major operational office? I suppose in this technological age it ought to be possible, with some of the more administrative functions being farmed out to the regions. But it a sad day when the Conservative Rearch Department - which ought to be fizzing with new ideas an innovation - is being further diminished.
It seems a strange time to dump CCHQ given all the changes that Cameron is driving through. How will the Tories manage without it if it’s that important? Can’t they just move to another location and continue their work from there?
ReplyDeleteIf it is Maude then I expect nothing good. The hypocrite who harps on about loyalty and yet gave none to Hague, IDS or Howard. And on policy he is worse then a Lib Dem.
ReplyDeleteAny truth in the rumour Adam Ricketts is being put in charge of the research department?
ReplyDeleteIf these changes move our organisation closer to the constituencies we have to win then they should be welcomed. The functions that need to remain in Westminster a relatively few.
ReplyDeleteThe Tories should move out of Central London and rent out any buildings they own there. They'd make a mint, reduce the burdon on taxpayers and supporters and show the electorate that they recognise that there is a world outside of Central London. It's also an opportunity to get one over on Gordon "Prudent" Brown who is quite happy to be based in Central London and commute from Scotland to do his job.
ReplyDeleteSo when we need new policies, and pretty soon, given that Policy groups dont report back fully till after next years local elections, Maude decides to shut down the CRD? Maude can do no good. Why is he Chairman???
ReplyDeleteWhere does this put the Conservative Policy Forum as it reports to the CRD? Does this mean local Associations will have their role in forming policy restricted?
Ive said this before and Ill say it again, he has to go. Maude tried to take the vote from members, then he took away the right for Associations to choose their own local candidates. Now this. Maude should resign.
A number of senior officials will be 'moving on'.
ReplyDeleteDave and Maude with any luck. Yes we can`t have the members having a vote. They will only go and do something stupid like elect a right wing leader. And anyway they are only the workers and the supporters. Who needs them when you can have Adam Rickett. Oh why didn`t I vote Davis, why??!!
ReplyDeleteIs this not a panic financially driven move by a party heavily in debt,with (overseas?) loans called in,poor income and little chance of major injections until near the next election (or until Cameron is more established as a possible winner).
ReplyDeleteSince when is it CCHQ? Wasn't it always CCO, or am I getting confused? And diminishing CRD, awful move. Adds to my feelings that DC is a comfort leader, like Major, Heath etc.
ReplyDeleteIt is understood that those departments that don't 'need' to be in Westminster will be outsourced to Northern Cities. Manchester and Leeds have both been bounded around as possibilites given that the lease on Victoria Street is up very shortly.
ReplyDeleteAn excellent move in my opinion. Those in CCHQ are often too busy playing at the West Wing to get any work done.
Ha ha - you should see the staff meetings, everyone stands at the back!
ReplyDeletekristallnacht...
ReplyDeleteWhat has happened to all the dosh that the donors gave us when Cameron was elected leader?
ReplyDeleteI would like to see a central regional operations centre rather just having a London base, that would make excellent sense.
As a regular voter residing in Wigan, I can't help but agree with some of the other comments mentioned here. The election will be won or lost based on how the party performs across the whole country.It's critical that those responsible for planning on how we finally dump the New Labour Project, do so from the perspective of the provinces, not just the capital.
ReplyDeleteMajor Reorganisation? I thought he got thrown out years ago.
ReplyDelete