Newsletter

Charnwood Conservative Association

February 2021 Newsletter

Charnwood Conservative Association Members Newsletter Feb 2021

* Introduction * MP Message * May Elections – County & PCC * Planning to Win * Postal Votes * Charnwood AGM and Volunteer Officer needed * Young Conservative Group * Diary Dates 2021

This first Members Newsletter of 2021, after a really tough Covid-19 pandemic year of 2020, and despite still being in Lockdown, hopefully sees us with better times ahead ...
....we are fortunate that our Country has been one of the first to rapidly roll out the new vaccines, due in no small measure to our NHS and a myriad of volunteers – and the leadership of Boris Johnson and our strong Conservative government.

Our elected Borough and County Councillors continue to work hard and tirelessly to support our local communities, and we thank them all.

Here’s to a more positive 2021...realised as soon as can be!

A First 2021 Message from Ed Argar our Charnwood MP & Minister of Health:

“As we begin 2021, although Covid remains a very real and potent threat, with hospitals still treating over thirty thousand Covid patients, and over 110,000 of our fellow citizens in the UK having died from the disease, hence the need for the continued tough restrictions to suppress its transmission - we do start the year with reasons for optimism and hope for the months to come.

The scientific team effort to develop the vaccine, and then roll-out effective vaccines that has rapidly ramped up since the first vaccinations were given in mid-December has seen over 13 million of those most vulnerable to the virus and frontline health and care workers vaccinated so far, and is a phenomenal achievement. It means we are on course to meet the PM’s target of 15 million people vaccinated by 15th February. Locally here in Leicestershire the roll out has seen tens of thousands of our older friends and neighbours, and health and care workers, vaccinated and given a high level of protection from the virus in recent weeks.

While it is too early at the time of writing to start easing the current restrictions, the Prime Minister has been clear that he plans to start easing them in the weeks and months ahead as the vaccine is rolled out to more people and as infection levels and the numbers of those in hospital with Covid continue to fall. Neither I nor the PM want to see these restrictions in place a day longer than necessary and I look forward to their gradual easing as soon as it is safe to do so, to allow us all and local businesses to begin getting back to normal. One sign of this is the recent announcement by the Government that the May County and Police and Crime Commissioner elections will go ahead and are not going to be postponed.

This campaign will be very different from what we are used to in our election campaigns, but these elections are more important than ever. Our County Councillors and the Police and Crime Commissioner make a fundamental difference to our day to day lives, and those of everyone in our communities, in the decisions that they make. They determine how our area is policed; public transport policies and how we get around our area; the social care services that are there for people when they need them; they determine policy on huge aspects of education and schools; and a host of other things, each and every one of which makes a real impact on us.

That is why we are so lucky to currently have such a strong team of Conservative County Councillors (all 9 of our county seats in Charnwood being Conservative currently) and why we need to do everything we can ahead of May to retain all nine of those seats, and to win back the Police and Crime Commissionership from Labour for our excellent Rupert Matthews.

You will all know our County Councillor team locally, and those who are standing to replace those who are retiring this time round. They are all fantastically dedicated public servants who always put their local community first. It will be a tough campaign, in challenging circumstances, but it is absolutely vital we do what our Association always does so well,which is to come together as a team, do what’s needed, and get a fantastic result for our Party and for the people we serve. I look forward to seeing many of you either virtually, or in person if that is possible, on the campaign trail in the lead up to the vote in May - and wish you good health and all the best for the coming months.”

Edward Argar

6th May 2021 – Election Day

We held our first Executive Council Meeting of 2021 on Friday 5th Feb last week. Earlier that day The Cabinet had finalised decisions for the May Elections to go ahead. We received a late afternoon email letter from Amanda Milling, Co-Chairman of our national Party, together with a detailed Election Delivery Plan – outlining revised aspects to ensure a safe Covid election process. We await further details of revised aspects for Nominations, support signatures (possibly electronically?) and when we will be allowed to deliver leaflets (currently banned as covered by Covid restrictions).

So – Thursday 6th May – is confirmed as Election Day.
We shall be Voting for County Councillors for Leicestershire & also for a new Police & Crime

Commissioner for Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland.

County Councillors – our Charnwood Conservative Association currently holds all 9 seats in our constituency area. Our Candidate selection process took place last year and we have 6 existing County Councillors re-standing, and 3 new CC Candidates – all of whom are experienced Borough Councillors.

PCC Election – The Police & Crime Commisioner election due to take place in 2020, was postponed due to the Pandemic. This will now take place on 6th May alongside the CC Elections. Our Conservative candidate for PCC is Rupert Matthews, who many will know from his previous role as our MEP – when he represented us on the European Parliament.
It is very important that we support and elect Rupert as our next Police and Crime Commisioner – as there is an urgent need to re-balance Police provision and resources between the City and County. Under the present Labour Commisioner resources have been concentrated in the City to the disadvantage of our County areas.

Planning to Win

Our Association plans for the above Election are already well advanced. Candidates are chosen. Agents are being nominated.
To ensure we co-ordinate planning and support campaigning, in partnership with our Candidates and their Agents we have set up.......

A Charnwood Campaign Support Group...
Comprising – 3 experienced County Councillors as Deborah Taylor - Bradgate; Tom Barkley – Syston Ridgeway and James Poland – Syston Fosse.
Jon Humberstone is our Social Media Advisor (as also to Rupert Matthews PCC Campaign). Jon is Dep Chair Political for Queniborough & South Croxton Branch and also a CCA rep on the LLR Regional Cttee. More importantly his day job is as Senior Digital Content and SEO Manager for National Grid. Finally Leon Hadji-Nikolaou our Dep Chair Political and Branch Chair Rothley, Swithland & Mountsorrel and myself as Association Chairman.
We started meeting in November...

Our Campaign Support role, alongside Candidates and Agents – is to plan for normal campaigning and leaflet delivery as soon as this is allowed – as such the key difference for 2021 is that ‘normal’ campaigning is likely to be a Short, Sharp Campaign during April?

However, to complement this, Central Office and our Regional Party Officers are promoting increased use of Social Media and Facebook accounts, Connect Calling (as planned telephone canvassing), Emailing In Touch and other promotional material, Facebook Ads and using Video.

Our Charnwood Association County Councillor Candidates for 2021 – 2024

Birstall Daniel Grimley new Candidate (experienced Borough Cllr)

Bradgate Deborah Taylor Sitting Councillor

Rothley & Mounstsorrel Leon Hadji-Nikolaou. new Candidate (experienced Borough Cllr)

Syston Fosse James Poland Sitting Councillor

Syston Ridgeway Tom Barkley Sitting Councillor

Thurmaston Ridgeway Brenda Seaton. Sitting Councillor

Glenfield, KM & LFE Lee Breckon (2 seats) Nick Chapman (Blaby DC area)

Groby & Ratby Ozzie O’Shea Sitting Councillor (NW Leics Council area)

Postal Voters - Whilst we have a reasonable number of Electors registered for Postal Voting.....for MAY 2021 – Postal Voting becomes a very important way to Vote. Stay Safe – Vote from Home!

Postal Voting:

As mentioned above....registering for a Postal Vote....is a very sensible way to ensure you can vote – but from home, rather than having to go to a Polling Station, maybe wear a mask and social distance & for 2021 take your own Pen or Pencil!
We have attached an Application Form with this email, please print a copy for each household voting member, and either post or email it to Charnwood as the CBC notes below.

Excerpt from CBC Electoral Registration Officer: Postal Votes:
To return your completed form, you can:

Return your form by post or in person to: Electoral Registration
Officer, Charnwood Borough Council, Southfield Road, Loughborough, LE11 2TR
Alternatively, attach a scanned copy of your completed form using our contact form
Why you need to give your date of birth and signature to get a postal vote
All postal voters are required to give their date of birth and signature when applying for a

postal vote.

When you return your postal vote pack, your signature and date of birth are checked against those on your application to confirm your identity.

Your signature and date of birth are separated from your ballot paper before it is looked at or counted, so giving this information will not affect the secrecy of your vote.

Charnwood Young Conservative Group – a new Chairman and Deputy Chair:

As reported in our Christmas Newsletter, our Charnwood Young Conservative Group, initially set up in 2019, now has a new Chairman and Deputy Chairman as Nathaniel Bromwich, from Rothley and Vrushika Valand from Thurmaston but now living and working in London as a Parliamentary Assistant to an MP.

Nathaniel and Vrushika have started to make personal contact with our 35 listed ‘Under 26’ Young Conservatives – to try and involve them in YC activities and hopefully campaigning – especially for our May CC & PCC Election.
They have set up Social Media pages as:

Facebook – Charnwood Young Conservatives

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charnwoodyoungconservatives/ Twitter: charnwood_yc
Instagram: charnwood_yc

YC members are welcome to contact Nathaniel with ideas or to volunteer at nbromwich@outlook.com .

Charnwood Conservative Association AGM:

It is that time of year again...whilst we managed a normal – ‘attend in person’ – AGM last year, for 2021 we will run the meeting online by Zoom.

Sarah will be emailing our CCA Membership next week, giving details of our AGM – to be held by online ZOOM at 7:30pm on Friday 12th March. It does mean that you can sit at home, with a glass of wine or drink of choice – and join us.

Our officer Team offer themselves for re-election, apart from Steph Bradshaw, who has completed her 3 year term of office. Fortunately we will retain close contact and involvement from Steph as she continues in her post as Caseworker for Ed Argar and works in the adjacent office. Steph will be greatly missed as a key and experienced member of the Office Team, but I know will stay very much involved.

CALL FOR A KEEN VOLUNTEER – We follow the notice in the paragraph above – with an Urgent Call for a volunteer to step up as Deputy Chair Membership and Events.....If you might be interested or could assist – please give me a call on 07860 212109 or email me as below to discuss what the role entails. Thank you.

2021 Dates for Your Diaries:

1: As soon as conditions improve, we will look to re-start Events as we are allowed, including Luncheon Club which last met in March 2020, Branch Events etc.

2: Branches are in the process of arranging Annual Meetings – no doubt via Zoom – during February. Last week saw Queniborough & SC & Bradgate branches hold their AGMs.

3: Charnwood Conservative Association AGM

Friday 12th March 2021 – 7:30pm

Usually Rothley Centre - but will be via Zoom.

Please put this important date into your diaries.

4: Charnwood Executive Council Meetings 2021:
Initially by Zoom until we can meet normally once more:

Friday 5th February 7:30pm has taken place Friday 18th June 7:30pm
Fri 15th October 7:30pm

5: Election Day 2021 – Thursday 6th May 2021 - for County Council seats and the postponed PCC (Police & Crime Commissioner) Election for our Conservative Candidate – Rupert Matthews (previously our successful MEP)

Branch Events:
Wreake Villages and Queniborough & South Croxton Branches are running a combined QUIZ NIGHT – via Zoom on Friday 26th March – full details will be circulated shortly and fellow members from other Branches will be welcome to join us.

Best wishes & Thanks:

We look forward to your continuing support during 2021 and trust that the successful Vaccine Roll Out which Boris and his government have managed to deliver against all odds – will soon allow us to meet up more normally later this year.

Hopefully stay safe and well until we emerge back to more normal times

From our Charnwood Officer Team:

Leon Hadji-Nikolaou – Deputy Chair Political
Steph Bradshaw – Deputy Chair Membership & Fundraising Patrick Byrne – Treasurer
Beryl Preston – Chair CCWO
Nathaniel Bromwich – Chair Charnwood Young Conservatives Neill Ransom – Chair CCA.
12th February 2021

Neill

Neill Ransom

chair@charnwoodconservatives.org.uk

07860 212109

Christmas Newsletter Dec 2020

* Introduction * MP Christmas Message *Message from Mayor of Charnwood * Charnwood Young Conservative Group * Diary Dates 2021

How to start this last Members Newsletter of 2021, after what has been a variously surreal, difficult and demanding year for us all. Tough on families, tough on businesses and tough on the economy. We have variously had friends and family who have suffered from Covid and some will have sadly suffered loss.

Our Borough and County Councillors have perhaps never worked harder and more tirelessly to interact and support our local communities, and we thank them all.

Our MPs and those in government have faced a very demanding and at times thankless task.

But, on a more positive note – whilst Covid spread remains and must not be underestimated – we do now have a vaccine, and more than one – which is already starting to be rolled out. Hopefully by Easter and shortly after, we should have turned the corner and be on a more positive return to some form of normality. Not sure where we might be with Brexit, except we will have finally left the EU and be the masters of our own destiny….

Here’s to a more positive 2021…realised as soon as can be.

Meanwhile to close 2020 with a personal message from our MP Ed Argar, a Christmas message from our Mayor of Charnwood plus news looking forward from our new Charnwood YC Chair… and diary dates for 2021!

A Christmas Message from Ed Argar our MP & Minister of Health:

"As 2020 draws to a close, I think everyone would be forgiven for a sigh of ‘At last’, because this has certainly been a year that I think most people would wish to move on from as swiftly as they can.

I write this one year on from our fantastic result locally, here in Charnwood, and nationally, in the 2019 General Election. As we look back just one year to that moment no one could have predicted what an extraordinary, and challenging, twelve months would follow for all of us.

The Covid-19 pandemic which struck our country, and the world, back in the Spring, has had a huge impact on all of our daily lives, on individuals, on businesses, and on our NHS. That impact has entailed huge sacrifices, and significant cost, both economic and human, as we have put in place measures to suppress and control this dangerous disease. Already this year this disease has claimed around six times more lives than, for example, flu does in an average year, hence these measures have been necessary to avoid the NHS’ bed capacity being overwhelmed, and to help save lives as this country’s scientists, and scientists around the world, worked day and night to develop the vaccine that provides our exit strategy as a country from the restrictions the disease has forced upon us.

No one, certainly no Conservative, and certainly neither I nor the Prime Minister would have wished to have to put the restrictions on all of our daily lives in place. I would not wish to see them in place a day longer than they are absolutely necessary, but at this time they do, sadly, remain necessary, and in our own area, the decision to place us in ‘tier 3’ on 2nd December, while disappointing was, I believe, the right one given where our infection rates were.

Alongside the health challenges of the pandemic, we know that, as we look forwards, our country will face some tough economic choices. As such, it is vital that, as we take the steps to restore our national finances, we do so in a way that supports business recovery, stimulates growth, rather than risking choking off that resurgent growth.

Alongside this, as I write, having delivered on our pledge to leave the EU shortly after the election result, the UK continues to negotiate with the EU on our future relationship after the Transition Period ends. Those negotiations are proving tough, but I know that our team, led by Lord Frost, and our PM, will continue to work hard to get the best possible outcome for the UK – an outcome which is fair, which works for us economically, and which reflects the spirit of the referendum decision.

When, in September 2019, the PM appointed me as Minister of State for Health, he told me that the job was challenging but always interesting. I’m not sure either of us foresaw just how challenging and just how interesting it would prove in 2020! But it has been a huge privilege to hold the office this year, not least to see first-hand the amazing work of our NHS and care workers who deserve all of our gratitude. The greatest privilege, and my first priority, however, always remains to be your local MP, and I am incredibly grateful to all of you for your support and friendship this year.

As we look towards 2021 with the optimism that comes with the roll-out of the vaccine that provides a route back to normality, I conclude by wishing all of you & your families and friends a peaceful and happy Christmas, and all the very best for a wonderful new year in 2021."

Edward Argar

Christmas Message from our Mayor of Charnwood – David Snarrt: Borough Councillor for Forest Bradgate.

For everyone this has been a most challenging year. When I was proposed to be Mayor of Charnwood, little did I know how the Mayoral year would change from the normal round of engagements, including now chairing Full Council meetings by Zoom!

Although the number of events and engagements have been reduced, I have been to see some of the good work that has been taking place within communities right across Charnwood. This was most evident when I presented awards to Community Heroes. It was humbling to meet so many people, organisations and businesses who had gone the extra mile to help residents in need, especially the elderly and the most vulnerable.
I also visited, along with Tom Barkley, the new Lighthouse Lab in Loughborough which is contributing to the national Covid-19 testing strategy, when fully operational it will have the capacity to process up to 50,000 samples a day. It is remarkable that this facility is up and running in just six weeks. This Lab will also provide employment for 400 local people, including recent graduates starting their careers in life sciences at the forefront of the national testing programme.

Since becoming the Mayor of Charnwood in June, it has been a difficult year for us all, many making personal sacrifices throughout this time. I write with hope and optimism, looking forward to a brighter future through next year and beyond.

Take care and stay safe during the festive break.

David Snarrt

Charnwood Young Conservative Group – a new Chairman and Deputy Chair:

We launched our first Charnwood Young Conservative Group back in Spring 2019 – with first Chairman Alex Ross taking on the task of trying to get an initial YC Group up and running. Despite his enthusiasm and the support of one or two friends and colleagues – and a first meeting in Syston supported by Ed Argar and Neill Ransom …the start was slow. On a positive note there was a slow increase in YC age membership during the year.

Following his success in joining West Midlands Police, and completing his basic training, Alex had to stand down from his role as YC Chair as Police Officers are not allowed to be an active member of any political party. Having completed his training Alex has initially been stationed near Coventry and we wish him well in his new and important career – and thank him sincerely for his work to establish our new Charnwood YC Group.

Alex has been able to hand the baton onto Young Conservative member Nathaniel Bromwich who last week attended his first Officers meeting having volunteered via Rothley Branch to take over as our new Charnwood YC Group Chairman.

Nathaniel introduces himself with a Christmas Message as below alongside volunteer Deputy Chair Vrushika Valand – they are currently making initial contact with our YC U26 membership, together with those between 26 to 30 who by choice can also take part in YC development. A YC Group Newsletter is planned for early in 2021….

Christmas Message to Charnwood Young Conservative Group:

The new year will see a revival for the Young Conservatives in Charnwood as we work to re-energise the branch with a newfound focus on member engagement and political discussion. I am thrilled to have recently taken over as chairman of the branch and to be leading these changes alongside my deputy, Vrushika Valand, who is from Thurmaston and is currently a Parliamentary Assistant at the House of Commons.

Based in Rothley, I am a recent graduate of Loughborough University and a current Master's student at the University of Leicester. I'm particularly determined moving forward to understand and represent the views of our younger party members in Charnwood. This determination will see greater engagement with all of our young members aged between 16 and 30 in order to recognise what the Young Conservatives' wish to see from both the party and area moving forward. I look forward to speaking with all of our Young Conservatives in 2021 as we move towards the post-COVID age.

This age will hopefully see the resurrection of social events which will aim to bring together our membership in casual environments ranging from a local pub to a country park. We'd love to see as many of our members as possible socialising as we work to understand one-another as a local branch. The new year will also see a period of busy election campaigning for the Conservatives. This will provide an excellent opportunity for those interested in political careers to get involved and to develop some first-hand skills. I look forward to speaking with those who may be interested in helping out! Our first immediate social plan is to invite regional Members of Parliament to deliver talks and discussions in Charnwood (or via Zoom) for our members. This is something we have already started to plan for and we are confident that this will be of universal interest to our Young Conservatives.

Our young members are the future of the party in our communities and I am excited to meet and work with you as we move forward in Charnwood.

Wishing you all the very best for Christmas and for 2021.

Nathanial Bromwich

Chairman Charnwood YC Group

2021 Dates for Your Diaries:

1: As soon as conditions improve, we will look to re-start Events as we are allowed, including Luncheon Club which last met in March! Branch Events etc.

2: Branches will hopefully arrange Annual Meetings – no doubt via Zoom – during February

3: Charnwood Conservative Association AGM

Friday 12th March 2021 – 7:30pm

Usually Rothley Centre - but expected to be still via Zoom.

Please put this important date into your diaries.

4: Charnwood Executive Council Meetings 2021:

Initially by Zoom until we can meet normally once more:

Friday 5th February 7:30pm

Friday 18th June 7:30pm

Fri 15th October 7:30pm

Seasonal Greetings & Thanks:

Thank you for your support during this unusual and surreal Year which has been ‘covid’ 2020Our thoughts are with you, family and friends as we ‘share’ a Christmas & New Year break – perhaps like no other in recent times.Hopefully stay safe and well until we emerge back to more normal times

From our Charnwood Officer Team:

Leon Hadji-Nikolaou – Deputy Chair Political

Steph Bradshaw – Deputy Chair Membership & Fundraising

Patrick Byrne – Treasurer

Beryl Preston – Chair CCWO

Nathaniel Bromwich – Chair Charnwood Young Conservatives

Neill Ransom – Chair CCA.

18th Dec 2020

Neill

Neill Ransom

chair@charnwoodconservatives.org.uk

August 2019 Newsletter:

Firstly, many thanks to those members and friends who attended the June Summer Lunch with Andrea Leadsom. Apart from hearing an excellent and passionate speaker, who spoke personally to most people, we managed a record attendance of 50. The event also contributed to Association funds. We are now looking to arrange an Autumn Dinner event.

Leadership Election

Thanks also to all those members who supported and voted in the recent Leadership Election. We heard today that 139,318 members voted, a ‘turn-out’ of 87.4%. Boris and his team have certainly hit the ground with energy and enthusiasm. Let us hope that they manage the very daunting challenges ahead of them, deliver on the Brexit promise and are then able to focus on the many areas of a domestic agenda which have been neglected in recent times.

Congratulations also to our own Ed Argar, who received a phone call from our new Prime Minister, asking him to continue in his Ministerial Post as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Justice. Great news and well deserved.

Other News Updates:

Our Officer Team focus and time to date was on our successful Local Elections in May and subsequently the recent Leadership Election.

Our next elections to prepare for locally, are Police & Crime Commissioner for Leicestershire in May 2020, and our County Councillors in 2021. Additionally there could be a snap General Election at any time – if our Press and journalists are to be believed!! But let us hope it’s not until 5thMay 2022 as scheduled!

Membership

Despite recent turbulent times, our Charnwood Association party membership, has seen a welcome steady increase with an increase of 43 members or almost 16%.

Progress of Charnwood Young Conservatives

Following our June 25thlaunch and the appointment of Alex Ross (Syston) as first Chair of the CYC branch, Alex has set up an inaugural Committee of 4 people, who are planning a first year programme of events and meetings. Alex and YC committee colleagues have been invited by Andrea Leadsom to visit her South Northants constituency, where in recent years they have developed a 50 strong Young Conservative branch. Alex is co-ordinating this visit, following his recent 3 week stint as a key Volunteer who organised the recent Leicestershire International Scout Camp.

Please pass Alex’s contact (alexross1997@gmail.com) to any potentially interested young people of YC age range ie teenager to 25 (under 23 membership £5/year) – and so ‘spread the word’ to help build this important Charnwood YC branch essential to our party future!

PCC Elections – May 2020

Our Conservative candidate for Police and Crime Commissioner is Rupert Matthews, who until recently was one of our MEPs in Brussels.