Dr Stewart Campbell

Ten random thoughts on the Conservative Party collapse at the GE and where we go next from an ex-Party Chairman 1. Do not assume this is rock bottom; we could face oblivion at the next election. Our fate is in the hands of our parliamentary party in a proper partnership with the voluntary party 2. Reform was not responsible for our losses - we were. The result was not an accident; the voters used their votes to remove Conservatives from government. The voters were not sending a message; they were dismissing us 3. Reform took 5 seats from us. The LibDems gained 63. There are now no safe seats 4. The digital world has eclipsed the influence of newspapers and TV. The Conservatives fought an analogue campaign on digital platforms. Our attempts at memes looked like 1990’s PPB or Posters. Labour’s and Respect’s were witty and targeted 5. Warning against a Super Majority is a two-edged sword. It tells your people you have lost and reminds your opponents to vote tactically. 6. Tactical voting will be massively influential at the next GE 7. The Conservative Party is only successful when it is a broad collection of the centre-right. We join together to promote enterprise and individual freedom within the rule of law. We can only do this together in government 8. We should take our time picking the Party's next Leader. Create time for the best person to bring us together to emerge. Treat the voluntary Party respectfully, start the process at our Annual Conference and end it in late November. 9. Do not lecture the public; listen to the wisdom of the people; in furtherance of that, adopt a PPC in every target seat by March 2026 to coordinate that engagement 10. Above all, the Conservative must unambiguously set its moral compass in the direction of public service, obligation and duty firmly based on the Nolan Principles of Public Life (selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership)

30 years ago this week, SS Peter and Paul-tide, I was ordained priest. Thank you to the people and places who have shaped who I am today.

Rishi Sunak and David Cameron are attempting to feed sheep at a farm in North Devon. The sheep have run away.