William Hague is odds on to be given a prominent cabinet position if Cameron becomes leader of the Party. However due to other commitments for example completing his book, Hague is unwilling to become shadow Chancellor, a role that George Osbourne is now expected to fill.

David Davis is also expected to get a position on the cabinet as Cameron let it slip that he "wanted a team of all the talents and David [Davis] has a huge talent". Further Cameron in answer to a question about whether he would want Davis in his shadow cabinet, replied "Absolutely." The Guardian puts forward the possibility that Davis could become shadow secretary for defence whilst Liam Fox becomes shadow home secretary.

On a more disappointing note, it seems as if Ken Clarke has decided against a return to the front benches. He is instead expected to take on an informal role supporting Mr Cameron in the media.

Who said daytime TV was not in touch with reality? Yesterday David Cameron proposed the idea of a voluntary national service for school leavers. Echoing the Trisha shows military camp for naughty children (I only watched it once!) Cameron stated that:

"I am always struck when asking anyone of my father's generation who did National Service by the fact that they tend to reply in a similar way - 'it was something we all did together - irrespective of who we were, where we lived, where we came from, or what god we worshipped',"

Initially I was taken aback by these comments however on thinking about them, this could be a positive policy for the Conservative Party, as long as it remains voluntary. Importantly it will form a basis for Cameron's inclusive ideology and hopefully detracts from his privileged upbringing.

Hey guys,
I have just taken a test to see who I should vote for. To be honest I’m not surprised by the result. Although I would ideologically support Davis over Cameron I also realise that for us to win we need to change. Take the vote yourself and post what results u get! http://www.whoshouldyouvotefor.com
When you get the result it offers u to copy and paste the HTML into the blog - this doesn’t seem to work!?

Tory Leadership
For explanations of the quiz, the candidates' views and their biographies, please read the Tory leadership FAQ.
Your expected outcome:
Cameron
Your actual outcome:


Davis 33
Cameron -33

You should support: David Davis

The David Cameron campaign will be sitting down tonight with big smiles across their faces. Today both The Sun and the Daily Telegraph have put themselves firmly in favour of Cameron. Trevor Kavanagh declared that "for the first time since Margaret Thatcher he looked like a leader, Tory voters might back in a general election."

The Daily Telegraph stated that "Mr Cameron has brought a vigour and an optimism to a party which has at times seemed almost obsolescent. Interestingly, the Telegraph claimed that "He has done so largely by avoiding what is called the 'core vote strategy'. This in particular looks good for the next general election. Both newspapers agree that Davis has fought a good campaign and his participation has been a bonus for the Conservatives. They both conclude that with Cameron in charge, the Conservatives will have a good chance come the next election.

Such optimism comes off the back of the latest youguv polls. This month’s poll has one of the first significant changes in the levels of party support - the topline figures are CON 35%(+3), LAB 37%(-3), LD 20%(+1). Considering we have been stuck at 33% for some time this is a big bonus.

Further Tony Blair has only a 6 point lead over David Cameron, compared to a 21 point lead over Michael Howard in the last Blair/Howard/Kennedy poll and an 11 point lead over Howard at the election. On economic competence, Labour’s lead is down to 8 points compared to 22 points at the general election. Also on the question of which Party is the most divided, more people believe it it Labour rather than the Tories (70% compared to 58%).

Lastly in a YouGov poll for Sky News, four out of ten respondents wanted David Cameron to replace the Tony Blair as PM. However Cameron still trails behind Gordon Brown as the top choice for the next prime minister, with Brown polling 43 per cent of the vote against Cameron's 38 per cent. This is expected however because of the myth that seems to suggest that Brown is going to be a great PM.

Anyway, a positive last two days!

Well, its that stressful essay writing time of term and all is quiet. Blog has gone from Super-Busy to Almost silence.................

So, some interesting news stories from the last couple of days for you all.

Pinochet still being chased

Military TV's ?

The E-Coli thing goes on...........

AND

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

I have often wondered, as I expect you have, whether a dog would ever be able to become leader of the Liberal Democrat Party. This is a tricky debate, since while dogs are clearly as intelligent, if not more intelligent, than most liberal democrats - it is highly uncertain that even after a hefty meal a dog could expel enough shit to endure themselves to the membership.

Danke

On this very day, in 1990. Margaret Thatcher stood down as prime minister after her Cabinet refused to back her in a second round of leadership elections.

Her legacy is cherished by some, hated by others, yet her presence as a leader can never be doubted. As the date of the latest Conservative leadership election draws near, a critical decision faces the Party. With such contrasting differences in vision and leadership from Cameron and Davis, the right choice must be made.

I am just wondering if anyone else has got their leadership election form. I have got mine so am just wanting to know who got these.

Firstly, apologies for not going to the social Sunday, but I am far behind in one of my essays. I'd like to go to Christmas dinner though, if that is still avaliable.

I am not especially new to this blogging game, and have attempted to maintain my own blog a few times on various subjects, but I never manage to keep up with the posting. However one blog I have kept going is one I started in May, which attempts to get young people together to support Israel:



It currently has a blogger from Israel, Switzerland, USA, two from Germany, and one from the UK (thats me) so we do have an international feel. However this is a personal plea to fellow Aber CF bloggers if they would like to contribute in any way, as long as you have a general pro-Israeli bias (i.e. you don't consider Noam Chomsky some kind of demi-God)

Also the guy who designed the header for this blog, "Tetracide" is a friend from Sacramento who runs another group blog, which is pro-Bush (such people exist!)



I recommend it for anyone who'd like to know more about what young American conservatives are thinking. I also contribute occasionally in my infinite wisdom.

Thanks everyone for your time. And most importantly, keep posting here!

I was on a train yesterday from Glasgow to Greenock, and some blokes came and sat near me, this in itself wasn't unusual. They had been drinking and were fairly loud, again something i didn't find unusual, what i did find unusual was some of the things they said.

It's also sad to hear people being racist especially when they seem to be playing up to the group, admitedly these weren't teenagers or even blokes in the 20's probably a mix of 30's to 40's, but still it made me feel sad when i heard what they were saying. It worries me that something like this is still around, i guess i've always been sheltered to it, when i live no one would dream of saying something like that and certainly no one in my family holds these views. All i can say is that i hope we're educating people to think differently now, "black bashing" just isn't on in my view.

Just felt like i needed to say that....................

Tony Blair has launched a robust defence of the government's plans to shake up schools in England, saying he is "restless for change".

He said the reforms would help poor children reach their potential.



His key speech - in Sedgefield - comes amid warnings of a possible rebellion by up to 100 backbenchers when the plans come to the Commons next year.

He wants schools to take on greater powers over their finances, staff and - most controversially - admissions.

Blair needs our support?!? Have I gone mad?!? No, although I would say that.

These education reforms are sure to accompanied by the usual New Labour regulation and bueracracy, and won't be great. But will they be improvements on what we have now? It seems likely. Giving schools greater independence is the way forward. The Conservative Party needs to be a party of principle, and we should vote with Blair if that is the correct thing to do.

The conservative temptation may be to let Blair fall from a backbench rebellion, since he is especially "weak" at the moment. This ignores the fact Blair has been through patches of "weakness" on and off for 3 years, and has always recovered. (I would not even rule out Labour begging Blair to stay for the next election, stranger things have happened). Therefore I think its naive to think he will fall any time soon, and if we vote against him for that purpose alone we will expose ourselves to the criticism of being nothing more than opportunists, and that will be a correct assessment of what we are.

Besides, even if Blair did fall, would Brown not be worse? Conventional wisdom is that he is to the left of Blair, and the last thing this country needs is to go further left. Remember, we still have 4 years of Labour, and thats a lot of time for Brown to kick this nation in its proverbial testicles repeatedly

Its not long till the deadline before we have to put our ballot papers through. Just as Michael Howard suggested the Conservatives were 1-0 down at half time during the General Election, I would argue Cameron is 2-3 down to Davis at half time. I believe a review of what has happened is needed. Firstly, Question Time, where the two candidates had a one on one debate, saw Davis take the lead. I felt that both candidates did not really express the differences enough until the latter half of the programme and even then people were still unsure if there were many differences. So an early goal for Davis, even though Cameron was well ahead in the polls. Although this was an exceptional match on TV, I for one felt both candidates lacked something, that something I have yet to put my finger on. For Davis I believe he should not make 'promises' such as the £38 million tax cut 4 years away from a General Election. As for Cameron i feel people need to know what you stand for, what policies you believe in. For example, "Critics of David Cameron accuse the Tory party's great white hope of being all style and no substance". So I want something in the middle, this may not be possible, but i want policies at the same time i don’t want our leader making promises so far away from an election.

We then had the Hustings started, the first one being in Leicester. Although the media are not allowed in, you get comments from people who participated to see who was winning. Radio 4's World At One reckoned DD did best at the meeting - something most people agreed with. Even a Cameron man supporter conceded to this. So you would probably agree DD is now 2-0 ahead. Even the Second Hustings, Solihull, a member of the Conservative party called it "Too Civil by Half?” By this he meant it was low key and it did not help him decide who should be leader. But what has shown about these Hustings is that the Candidates are showing their differences. It’s just a shame the public can’t see this! For example, Cameron again made a virtue of being less specific on tax cuts, but the clearest disagreement was on student top-up fees (Cameron in favour; Davis against). Overall, the second hustings was a 'draw'!

So at 2-0 down Cameron had some catching up to do - and he sure did that! DD took the seat to face the Paxman grilling. Davis, simply failed - although can you pass? He was very defensive, he could not answer questions, and when he made promises (the tax policies!) He was "Paxmaned". It was a grim performance, however, in defence of DD you really can’t win over JP - he just doesn’t let you speak! Then Cameron decided to take the initiative and fight JP on a one on one debate as though it was live. Although you can watch the programme he beat DD. While DD let Paxman run all over him Cameron dominated, confronting the interviewer head on. These are the sort of characteristics that we need as hour new leader - if you can handle JP who can easily take on Labour and it’s Spin. Policy was central to this, the gap widening between DD and DC even more. DC supporting extended pub licensing hours. So from here you could argue DC got a goal back making it 2-1.

Other debates have also taken place, like Today programme in a focus group. A focus group of north London floating voters - assembled by Opinion Leader Research for that programme - gave a unanimous thumbs up to Mr Davis. They argued Cameron was too much like Blair and DD came from a common background and represented them. Furthermore, both candidates took to the stand on Women’s Hour. The biggest mistake by DD was to put DD on a t-shirt in a campaign video as well as admitting he prefers blondes. Cameron was wise not to make any comments on this. So after that a 3-2 DD lead.

With all this in mind, DC is consistently winning in the polls, although DD has had some light at the end of the tunnel. I believe DC is our man, I believe he is winning the campaign, but what we have shown so far is the Conservatives are changing, we are credible and we can win the next election. So whoever you vote for, remember there is still a long way to go and anything could happen.

Half time score DC 2 - DD 3

bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4446684.stm

Top up fees aggreed by Cameron on Newsnight.

Methinks we have a problem here.

Better to keep our opposition to it going (as I will be arguing in February at the Sabb elections).

Does he want to shut down his youth wing or what?

Aberystwyth Conservative Future

What should we do to support Jordan as its next to Iraq and had a bombing in its capital recently?

Basically do we go left or right (Syria or Iran) next or do the peacemaking thing and help the Israelis and Palestinians in whatever their governments decide?

James

A few news sources are reporting that:

"Mr Cameron is reportedly preparing to help Mr Blair push through a series of controversial reforms that would keep an 'isolated' Prime Minister in power". (Daily Mail)

This has prompted David Davis to state that "I will not ride to Tony Blair's rescue. I will do all I can to hasten his end."

Camerons aides have responded arguing that support for Blair will leave him "badly wounded if the only way he can get his reforms through is with our support."

This opens up an interesting debate. Is it best to follow the Cameron policy of supporting Blair on issues he passionately believes in, even if it ends in helping Blair defeat back bench rebellions? Or alternatively, is Davis's policy best, where the main aim is to defeat Labour so as to remove Blair, no matter what the policy?

Is there such a thing as opposition for opposition’s sake?

This week President Bush attacked "post-war revisionism" during a speech to Veterans:

"Some Democrats and anti-war critics are now claiming we manipulated the intelligence and misled the American people about why we went to war," he said.

"The stakes in the global war on terror are too high and the national interest is too important for politicians to throw out false charges."

Bush is having a tough ride at the moment, and it is about time he started to fight back against the falsehoods and outright lies spued by the idiot left about this war.

Just as way of example of the utter hypocrisy, I dig up some quotes on Saddam Hussein and Iraq. I wonder if you can guess the American Politicans who said them?

1): "If Saddam rejects peace and we have to use force, our purpose is clear. We want to seriously diminish the threat posed by Iraq’s weapons-of-mass-destruction program."

2):"Iraq is a long way from [the USA], but what happens there matters a great deal here. For the risk that the leaders of a rogue state will use nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons against us or our allies is the greatest security threat we face."

3): "In the four years since the inspectors left, intelligence reports show that Saddam Hussein has worked to rebuild his chemical- and biological-weapons stock, his missile-delivery capability, and his nuclear program. He has also given aid, comfort, and sanctuary to terrorists, including al-Qaeda members."

4): "I will be voting to give the President of the United States the authority to use force—if necessary—to disarm Saddam Hussein because I believe that a deadly arsenal of weapons of mass destruction in his hands is a real and grave threat to our security."

Bush? Cheney? Rumsfeld? Lets see if you were right:

1): Disgraced Former President Bill "Oral sex is not sex" Clinton, 1998
2): Clinton's Secretary of State Madeline Albright, 1998
3): Senator Hillary Clinton, 2002
4): Failed presidential candidate, Senator John "Global Test" Kerry, 2002

Seems like Bush wasn't the only one convinced!

So much for the towns officer job:

Oh well it was going so well, nomination form signed, pop home for the manifesto and pick up my seminar stuff. OH well I nod off after research for essay last night, doh wake up 1/4 to 3 and phone union 2.55 saying on my way up from town, get there 3.20 due tio traffic and hand in but have to wait.

Elections do the right thing and rule I can't stand. After some thought I think fine.

Here is my manifesto as submitted, in case there are other candidates whose names weren't disclosed at theat meeting:

If elected for Towns Officer I would:

Liase with Town Council re students concerns
(lighting, refuse, phone masts)

Work with res services and SACC to create a student contract checking department similar to the translation service within the Guild.

Campaign on resolving the West Lothian Question and parity with Scotland


To this I was going to add the following in my speech:

Seek the redevelopment of the Boars Head pub in Aberystwyth into a non alcoholic venue and key worker housing above the opublic workers site. The sites been the pits of Aber but with the Glen now being a 'normal hours pub and the rising population due to Alex Hall, this is an option worth pursuing.

Improve footpaths and lighting on campus to town. I did a lighting survey on this years ago and womens officers have been complaining and campaigning for years.

Ah well I guess Its back to the books, essay for tomorrow.

Both William Hague and Liam Fox have given their support to David Cameron

Mr Hague said David Cameron had "a certain quality" that was impossible to define, "but you know it when you see it". Whilst describing the decision as a "close call", he said the 39-year-old was the best candidate to modernise the Tory party, inspire voters and challenge Labour.

Surprisingly, Liam Fox has also come out in support of Cameron too. A move to gain a place in the cabinet, or an honest backing, who knows? But whatever his motives, I for one am very happy at his public backing becuase it will probably secure him a position in the shadow cabinet.

He told the Sunday Times -"there is an opportunity for us to pass the torch to the next generation of Conservative leadership which can show that it is not about personal ambition, but a collective wish to see a better agenda for the Conservative Party that will decide a better future for the British people."

William Hill have slashed their odds for David Cameron to become the next Tory Leader from 1/6 to 1/12 , and doubled David Davis' odds from 3/1 to 6/1.

Other William Hill odds of interest

10/1 that Tony Blair will stand down before the end of the year
6/4 that he goes during 2006 - the shortest odds about him quitting that they have quoted since he came to power.
5/1 - Blair beating Margaret Thatcher's record eleven years in power
1/7 - Gordon Brown - favourite to succeed Blair
10/1 - Charles Clarke, second favourite to succeed Blair
14/1 - David Miliband - third favourite.
9/4 - For Tony Blair to leave office before Sven Goran Erikkson who is a 1/3 chance to depart before the Prime Minister.
13/8 England to beat Pakistan in the First test

Aberystwyth Conservative Future

Statement on application form for AM application by me:

"As a UWA student I am committed to the devolution process, being the first English Nationalist elected to my student union in 2002. The Labour party has patently failed the Welsh people by denying them their civil rights, ie parity with Scotland. As an AM I would seek to rectify this and the West Lothian question by means of a British Constitutional convention on the Scottish (1980s) model..."

I don't think I stand much of a chance having been in hospital after my mums death, but on this principle I believe that Wales acan and will warm to a rejeuvenated Plaid Ceidwadol Cymru / Welsh Conservative Party.

James

Dear all,

It has only tonight come to my attention that there are certain individuals within the Welsh Conservative Party that are not only a disgrace but should be immediately removed from the membership. Although this is beyond the helm of our society, we need to show solidarity to our leader in the Welsh Assembly. A brief background needs to be ascertained. When Rod Richards, who was our leader before Nick and voted him over 2 to 1, stood down after a scandal, Nick Bourne was 'appointed' our new leader. However, it did not go to the rank and file membership, who at the time was fairly anti-Assembly. This has caused uproar in only a few members, however, they hold high official positions and are seen to 'represent us'. These include, Chairman of New Port West (David Fouweather), Chairman South Wales East (Nick Hacket Pain) as well as his Deputy. They decided to go on national TV and challenge Nick Bourne to stand for leadership. Fouweather made the comment that Nick probably does not know where Newport is, even though two weeks earlier he was there campaigning in a by-election. I call on us as a society to voice our objections to such 'crap' and write to these people challenging their views by stating we support our leader. For those who have lived in Wales, and for those who follow a close eye on the Assembly will understand that Nick has not only turned the Welsh Conservatives round, but has put them in a prominent position to really challenge the Welsh Labour Government. To suggest that "he has lost it" is not only outrageous but simply not a view taken in our party. If we are seen dis-unified then we stand no chance of winning the next election.

So I call for a letter to Nick Bourne expressing our support and unity to the party, I call for us to sign a petition that clearly shows to the higher ranked officials that we as a society fully back our Leader. Those who challenge this in view should leave the party. It is a shame that after so many years out of Government there is still some who will stir up attention just for the media. Let me tell you something about Nick Hacket Pain, only a few months ago he stood to challenge Lyndon Jones for Chairmanship of the Welsh Conservative Party as well as Barrie Harding (one of his deputies) This is clearly an attack on them, clearly a sign of jealousy and clearly a sign of them losing the plot.

So you’re probably all thinking what?
well here’s the link to the program called Dragons Eye - watch the latest programme.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/dragonseye/

Britain fell silent at 11.00am today as millions paid tribute to those who gave their lives in war. The two-minute silence at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month represents the moment when the guns fell silent in November 1918 at the end of the First World War.

I will never forget what my Grandfather and the millions of soldiers have done for us. Sacrifice their health, strength and even their lives, so that we might live in a free country.

I have noticed not everyone is checking the set time before they post - this can confuse the order at which posts are displayed on the blog.

Cheers

The 'Leftist' Dictionary! Never again will you be stuck on what some daft liberal just said - consult this handy translation device and you'll understand!

Leftist Speak -- Definition


Foetus -- Baby

The right to die -- The right of someone else to kill you

This shouldn't be an election issue -- This might lose us votes

Investment -- Spending

Society -- The state

Community -- The state

Nation -- The state

Our "so-called" democracy -- Democracy

You can't impose democracy -- We sure wish you wouldn't remove dictators by force

The government ignores the wishes of the people -- The government has not yet been formed by George Galloway

Neoconservative -- Jew

International law -- Whatever's fine by Russia, China and France

Secular -- Atheist

Multi-faith -- Everything/nothing is true

Respect other cultures -- Excuse honour killings and public stonings

Rational -- The stuff we believe.

Reducing poverty -- Increasing dependency

Yes X was a great man, but… -- X didn’t agree with us on everything

The Church has held back the fight against AIDS -- People who ignore Catholic teaching on sex outside marriage really care what the Pope says about condoms

Achieving equality -- Discrimination against middle-aged white men

This is a sensitive issue -- I will be hounded out of office, possibily shot and killed if i happen to wander from the politically correct line

justice -- when we succeed

A belief in God -- [offensive] A belief in God

wealth distibution -- forceably taking money from people who earned it

He is Left-wing -- He is a Communist

He is a Centrist -- He is left wing

He is Right wing -- He is a fascist

He is Far right -- He is a blood drinking Nazi who shouldn't be allowed amongst civilised society

He is Ultra/Extreme right wing -- He is Christian

To play on peoples fears -- To address peoples concerns and attempt to offer solutions

Populist politics/playing for votes -- To talk about things average people care about

War for Oil! -- We haven't seen the news for 3 years and have formulated no new arguments

You are ignorant -- You do not think like we do

You are a Bigot -- You do not think like we do AND i have no counter to what you think

You are a f***ing stupid m*therf****r -- You do not think like we do AND i have no counter to what you think AND even i realise that i have lost the argument

Just world -- a politically left-leaning world

In the modern world.../But this is the 21st century!... -- We will justify our argument for ignoring and disrespecting the moral rules on which society is based by making the highly intellectual assersion that time has passed

Be compassionate! -- pay more in taxes

Do the responsible thing! -- pay more in taxes

Show your fellow man you care! -- pay more in taxes

Of course we support your business, BUT... -- while we look on your efforts to provide for you and your family yourself with mild bemusement; we do feel, on balance, that you should pay more in taxes

we must make the most of our country's wealth... -- we must invest in our public services, and as people are more well off, they should pay more in taxes to pay for it

you heartless, evil man -- you do not wish to pay more in taxes

Spending on school dinners will go up to fifty pence per meal! -- Would you like ketchup with your Turkey Twizzlers?

Because of the unique way the BBC is funded… -- Because of the BBC’s unique lack of accountability…

X is a senior Conservative… -- Never heard of the guy until he made that gaffe / took that money / lost his trousers

X was a senior and respected Conservative… -- Never heard of the guy until he defected to us.

X was a senior and respected Conservative who could have won the next election -- Ken Clarke

# posted by Chris Hughes @ 5:25 am 0 comments