Consultation underway re East Midlands Group!

Approved Candidates asked to give their views!

Across the region constituencies are turning their thoughts to selection of the position of PPC. Some constituencies have completed the process, others are progressing towards making what is widely accepted as one of the most important decisions that need to be made.

Parliamentary Candidates are charged with the responsibility of 'leading' the constituency towards and throughout elections. They look to build the party and personal profile along with, it's hoped, assisting in increasing membership in the constituency.

Each Parliamentary Candidate will be the key to presenting the party's policies. Explaining what the Liberal Democrats will do for families, individuals, jobs, investment and all things that impact on the daily life of our country.

Many of our approved Westminster / European candidates will be members of the Parliamentary Candidates Association, the national organisation, but what do we have as an organisation here in the East Midlands Region to which our candidates can specifically relate and belong?

Is there a body in the East Midlands that acts as a focal point where approved candidates can share ideas, discuss presentation of policy, draw on support from other Approved Westminster / European Candidates? At this moment in time - no!

Over the past few days I have been involved in detailed discussions on this subject with our Regional Chair and incoming Vice Chair. It is felt that the time is right to look at the possibility of setting up The East Midlands Candidates Association.

Will an EMCA help? How will the EMCA work? What would members of the EMCA want/need/offer to/from the organisation? Just some of the questions that will need to be addressed but the first thing we need to know is how many of our approved candidates would want to be involved in the new organisation?

I have agreed to take the position of 'Acting Chair' of the East Midlands Candidates Association during the possible formation and through to the Regional AGM in 2013.

Are you an approved Candidate? Would you welcome the opportunity to share your views and opinions with other approved candidates? Would you like the opportunity to draw on their support along with the chance to hear ideas that may assist you? Do you have ideas that would help others win?

Would you be interested in the opportunity of meeting with other approved candidates, a working conference/discussion and then to chat informally over a dinner with spouses/partners and a 'special guest speaker'?

Before I can move the idea forward, develop a discussion document etc I need to know just how many of our Approved Candidates would want to support the launch.

The goal is simple, to win as many Parliamentary seats as we possibly can here in the East Midlands and if its thought the EMCA would assist in delivering this then it is worth investigating.

If you are an approved Westminster or European Candidate please email Phil Knowles - Policy Officer East Midlands Region and let him know.