Dear friends and fellow members,
As we approach the end of 2024, it is appropriate to pause and reflect on a year marked by significant challenges. Nationally, our party has suffered from the dissatisfaction of the electorate which directly impacted us with the loss of Bob’s seat to Labour. Bob was one of the best MP’s in the House of Commons and it’s clear to everyone what a poor substitute Labour have inflicted upon us. Fortunately, we are blessed with Joe, who makes us all proud every time we see him in action. Although Labour’s popularity has plummeted since coming to power, we have yet to experience a significant increase in our own numbers, which increases our focus as we near the local elections scheduled for May 2025. I am optimistic that Kemi, as our new leader will soon achieve these gains; however, time is of the essence and we must capitalise on every opportunity to ensure we serve as a positive force in our communities and earn the trust of the island’s electorate.
There is considerable discussion regarding Reform, their funding, new members, and their performance in the polls. Nevertheless, it is crucial to remember that Reform is not the cause of our election results in July; rather, their emergence is a consequence of the failure to effectively deliver our policies over the past five years, among the other well-documented issues that have affected our tenure in government. The biggest threat to Reform is an effective Conservative Party and once we start to deliver, those disaffected voters will return to their natural Conservative home resulting in a collapse of support for Reform. Labour’s majority was aptly described as “a mile wide and an inch deep,” reflecting the dissatisfaction of voters who opted for the “least-worst” option. This is not a sustainable qualification for governance and it is incumbent upon us to change that as soon as possible. We will!
Since assuming the role of association chair, I have been encouraged by the enthusiasm, resilience, and positivity of our membership. While nationally, we are at a low point, political fortunes change rapidly and Labour have already demonstrated that this situation is no exception. There is much to be optimistic about. Beyond any doubt is the exceptional quality of our councillor candidates who will be at the forefront of our election campaign next year. As an association, we have already demonstrated our effectiveness in managing election campaigns, most recently supporting Bob and Joe in the snap general election. We are constantly building on those foundations and will do everything within our power to ensure that our collective potential is not squandered at the ballot box next May.
The term ‘Community Champion’ will be used prominently in the lead-up to May 2025, and rightly so. One of our primary campaign objectives will be to deliver targeted messaging to our communities, ensuring that our candidates are relatable, accessible, relevant, and accountable. On the subject of Community Champions, it would be remiss of me not to mention the remarkable work that our members undertake for their communities. Our members provide daily support, fundraise for charitable causes, enhance educational standards, increase awareness for healthcare, volunteer at hospitals, support the arts and engage in numerous other activities. This is true Conservatism in action, serving our communities and operating in the best interests of the electorate and the welfare of our beautiful island.
During this festive season, there is an increased attention on these aforementioned activities, but the genuine community champions are present every day of the year, not merely for a few days in December. We should feel free to openly discuss the significant work performed in our communities, as this helps to raise awareness of these essential causes. We are not the focus; it’s the causes we support that matter. We are proud to be Conservatives, proud of our values and the work we do in our communities, and your officer team are honoured to lead our association into 2025 ready to confront the challenges that the new year will undoubtedly bring, confident in the knowledge that together we can achieve anything.
On behalf of Steph, Harriet, Phil, Ian, and Steve, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude for your steadfast support and commitment to our island, our communities, and our great party. We wish you and your families all a joyous, safe, and enjoyable Christmas and New Year, as we eagerly anticipate returning with renewed vigour and determination to secure as many seats as possible for our councillor candidates in May 2025.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Tim Jeffreys
Chairman, Isle of Wight Conservative Association
