Philip Stephenson-Oliver, Conservative campaigner and the current chairman of Queen's Park and Maida Vale Conservative Association, gives some feedback from the coalface of the ongoing National Convention election 

A few weeks ago, nominations opened for elections for the Conservative Party’s National Convention – the most senior body of the voluntary party. I decided to stand for one of the Vice Chair roles on a platform demanding greater democratisation within the Party. I was extremely shocked by the number of nominations I received from all over the country.

Often, it was just Chairmen who wanted a wider debate and were sick of this rather cozy consensus. I kindly borrowed Mark's great phrase: “CCHQ needs to become more of a help centre rather than a command centre.” I’m pleased to say I received well over the required nominations.

However, in classic CCHQ style, I was told my candidacy was invalid a week after I declared it. This was due to a term limit rule, which neither I nor any other candidate was aware of. Indeed, no candidate had been made aware of any criteria for standing other than being a member of the National Convention. This, in my mind, reflects how CCHQ treats its volunteers—like how an oyster treats a grain of sand, as an irritant with a very low statistical chance of ever becoming a pearl.

Despite losing a precious week of holiday getting nominations I was able to get to know a large number of the candidates standing, and the good news is that the argument for greater party democracy has already won.

Of course, I’m somewhat sceptical of people who have been on the board for many years and have just now come to this conclusion but, unlike the left, we must relish converts. I’ve been particularly impressed by the two candidates running to be Chair of the National Convention.

After speaking to both at length, I feel they both understand the need for greater party democracy, volunteer-led parliamentary selection, and a less heavy-handed approach from CCHQ. Joanna Reeves, one of the candidates, has probably the most determination and will offer the best chance for a reset at CCHQ. She has also been personally extremely generous to me regarding my candidacy. She has a very good chance of being elected, and I urge all members to message their association Chairman to encourage support for her candidacy.