I have decided to re-stand for the Appointed Officer position on the National Executive because I feel that my first year was a great success, and that I have plenty of ideas and plans for the future. I believe that I still have much to offer the national organisation and that I can use my experience to continue to build a stronger CF for the future.

During my time on the National Executive I have demonstrated that I’m a capable and constructive team player, who listens to others, and works hard for the members of CF. I got on with my work in a professional manor and produced the best practice pack that was such a hit, both with the membership, and the party.

I believe that the role of the National Exec is to give as much power and support to the Regions and individual branches as possible and to listen to what they want, not dictate to them what they should do. I hope that I have demonstrated this during my time on the NME and that if I am re-elected I will continue this trend by implementing my manifesto pledges.

I believe that CF will work best if its members are given the right opportunities and training to succeed and are given as much power to do what they think is right for their areas. If re-elected I will continue the work that I started in this area with an even bigger program of training and best practice across the whole country not just centred in London.

If you give me the opportunity to serve again I will work closely with my colleagues to deliver a CF that listens to the members and respects their opinions. A CF that will always fight for what we believe in and delivers on its promises.

I am pleased to announce that the MP for Dewsbury Simon Reevell has issued the following endorsement for my campaign to become the next CF Appointed Officer.

“I was very pleased to hear that James aims to become more closely involved with the work of CF. As a Vice President of CF in Yorkshire and the Humber I am fully aware of the importance of the role of CF and the need to ensure that its executive are both talented and committed. Its campaigning role will be vital in forthcoming elections and was a crucial part of my election victory.

During the build up to the General Election and during the campaign itself James was an enthusiastic, committed and efficient member of my core campaign team. He was involved in canvassing, delivering and telephone canvassing and worked tirelessly and to a high standard. Most importantly he could be trusted to work alone or to lead others.

I have no hesitation in writing in support of James. He will continue be a great asset to CF.”

Simon Reevell MP

I was the Yorkshire & Humber CF Deputy Regional Chairman-campaigns in 2010 and headed up CF’s general election campaign in the region. I organised and led action days every weekend since the start of this year which focused entirely on our Key target seats.

Dewsbury was target seat number 84 so it was absolutely vital to win to deliver a Conservative majority. In the end we did not win a national majority but through the tireless efforts of CF and others Simon became Dewsbury’s 3rd Conservative MP in 142 years defeating the former home affairs minister Shahid Malik in the process!

I am pleased that Simon has decided to back my campaign and recognises my campaign skills and dedication as part of the reason why I would continue to be a great member of the CF National Exec.