Monday, May 22, 2006
Francis Maude on Tory Radio
Jonathan Sheppard has an interview with Francis Maude on Tory Radio HERE. The Party Chairman is coming in for some flak in the papers at the moment. In a way this is not surprising as it is part of the Party Chairman's job to act as a lightning rod for the leader. That was Norman Tebbitt's role under Margaret Thatcher. However, that relationship deteriorated when people around Mrs T persuaded her that Norman Tebbitt had an agenda of his own. She then brought in Lord Young to keep an eye on goings on at CCO. The Telegraph are trying to make out this is what is behind Steve Hilton's move to CCHQ. It's nothing of the sort. With Nick Pisani now in place it is an obvious thing for Hilton to do. It is simply not possible in the long term to run the Party's communications effort from the Leader's Office. I suspect that far from viewing Steve Hilton's presence as a threat, Francis Maude will positively welcome it.
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7 comments:
It's not like Tebbit and Mrs. T. Whatever else you might think of him, Tebbit was committed to the job in terms of being on top of it and putting in the necessary effort. This isn't about mis-communication during a successful election campaign, it is about having someone with the energy and commitment to help the leader build a party machine and infrastructure from the ground up that puts the party in position to win a general election after 16 years of not being in contention.
Frankie Maude deserves a lot of credit. He paved the way for Dave and his chums...
They need to step up and deliver. Little Stevie Hilton needs to raise the bar big time and grip the situation at CCHQ. The crap website, yawntastic press releases, drippy press handling - all have to go.
This is a time to make things happen.
CMD: fully agree.
There's a bit too much preening going on. CCHQ needs a Gordon Ramsay infusion of dynamism, fury and excitement. A big character who (literally) calls the shots, kicks out the dross and dares people to be brilliant.
Who the F*** is this Little Stevie guy? Does anyone care who he is? What does he do?
Isn't he the genius who created the Tony's Demon Eyes poster? He's godfather to one of Dave's kids. Used to or still does see Rachel Whetstone - also a godfather to Dave's kid? The one who hasn't worked on an election success?
What is he amazing at?
Don't know what he's amazing at... but he's Mr. Communications and he charges massive bread. He's Dave's friend.
With such long odds of victory, they need to be seriously inspired and gutsy.
To date, that ain't happened and I'm worried...
Steve Hilton is the guy who is being paid an awful lot of money I think? One of the Sunday papers said it was £200,000+ but perhaps that was journalistc licence.
But perhaps he should improve the advice he is giving Dave given the speech he made today.
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