Following yesterday’s article in the Mail on Sunday I have seen a raft of responses from readers, budding politicians and commentators across the blogosphere. Some of the more interesting reactions were posted on Conservativehome. Although there is a wide spectrum of individual views, the comments appear to fall into two camps. First, there are those who clearly feel that I have “whinged” about my lack of success after such a short period of time on the list and suggest that I should have expected nothing less given my lack of a political footprint or convictions. Secondly, there are those who believe that I have highlighted a particular issue for the Conservative Party and that “something should be done”.

I would like to thank everyone who took the time to comment on the article. Debate is the essence of our democracy and the ability to criticize should be defended at all costs.

However, I should like to take this opportunity to point out a few issues contained within the article which have been misunderstood.

I was not complaining that I felt let down by the Party after less than a year on the list. Rather, I was highlighting that, having got on the list and tried to “start at the bottom”, I was annoyed about Mr Cameron’s reopening the list for “ordinary people”. I noted that his announcement specifically stated that applicants need not have a political history. The absence of this “political history” is central to many of the less positive comments about the article. I am happy - as I stated - to acquire a political footprint. I am less than happy that it would appear that this is now not necessary.

I have not given up trying to be an MP. Quite the reverse. In fact I am off to a local campaign (Zac Goldsmith) meeting in the next half an hour. However, I believe that we should use all the talents at our disposal. Yes, I am able to write for a national newspaper but is that not one of the key skills required for a politician? I note that most of the shadow front bench have, at one time or another in the last 12 months, contributed to newspapers. Indeed, Michael Gove makes a living that way. Being able to communicate on this basis should not preclude my standing and does not, in my opinion, compromise my claim to “ordinariness”.

Finally, let me say that I would like this debate to continue so please keep the comments coming.

Tags: Conservative Home, David Cameron, Mail on Sunday, Michael Gove, Ordinary people, Zac Goldsmith

Monday, 1 June 2009 at 16:27

3 Responses to “Mail on Sunday spread”

• really floating voter

  The trouble is the old party hacks are furious at the idea of new blood coming in and ‘not paying their dues’ - ie tyre kicking for 20 years in councils and running the local chicken suppers. What they want is a closed shop. But that means unless you decide to be a politician at school, you will never be allowed in to the system. And I think the current generation of ‘career politician’ has pretty much proved that the last thing we want in Westminster is people with no life prior to parliament. We NEED MPs with a ‘reality footprint’ not a ‘political’ one.

  06/02/2009 at 08:40

• Linda Duberley

  The general public’s apathy towards modern politics is the real problem that the parties are facing. The recent expenses scandal has highlighted just how out of touch the majority of MP’s really are - it’s easy to say, isn’t it outrageous they have spent public money, but it’s much harder to stand up and do something about it.

  Therefore I agree that using ordinary mum’s is a positive way at getting politics back into the communities. Forming real policies based on experiences, of your families and your local area.

  Women are desperately needed to get the system into a balanced and equal footing, who cares if your so called footprint isn’t quite blue enough, what matters is that you are prepared to stand up and do something about the issues that affect you and your family.

  Laura Caveney | Producer | Tonight/ Real Crimes | ITV plc

  06/02/2009 at 14:18

• John Hoogervorst

  Madam,

  Your article shines a bright light on current politics - “say what the people want to hear”, then sit back and do nothing. What we need in Government are more people like yourself who are prepared to “do” for the people rather than just sit around and talk about it.

  06/02/2009 at 15:44