Trashing Reputations

I declare an interest as I used to work for Oliver Letwin, but even so, any unbiased and reasonable person should be disgusted by the recent attempt to trash his reputation.

The media gave the impression that he was throwing away his constituency mail in a bin in St James Park. But the full story was that the Minister was working on his correspondence in the Park, in the early hours of the morning, then dropping the finished papers in nearby rubbish bins.  For this 'crime', he was filmed over a number of days by a media outlet, who then rummaged through the rubbish, in order to try and embarrass Mr Letwin.  No 'classified' documents were found.

So the media classes had a laugh at Mr Letwin's expense.  But, what is more disturbing is the intrusiveness of the whole episode.  In order to get its story, the media stalkers, had to follow and film, Mr Letwin's early morning activities in the park.  Not just creepy, but pretty insidious.  Why is it that stalking is a crime, yet the media seem to do it with impunity?  

I am sure Oliver Letwin will use a shredder in future.  But this attack on him was more mean-spirited that one of genuine concern.

On the plus side, if this the best some on the left can do to to try and undermine a Minister, rather than debating policy, it shows just how politically bankrupt they have become.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

The wisdom of Crowds is immense: cleverness doesn't just exist in centralised bureaucratic form

In Birmingham today for the launch of the Conservative Policy Forum (CPF). The CPF made up of party activists and supported by MPs, will be looking at policy development in the run-up to the 2015 election.  The hope is that local CPFs, working with experts and specialists, will be able to provide policy ideas for the next election manifesto.  Activists and MPs will be encouraged to set up CPFs in areas where they are thin on the ground.

It is quite an exciting concept.  All over the country, CPF Branches will be discussing ideas for the future - their ideas passed to Ministers to consider. Moreover, it provides a great reason for people to join the party - as their ideas will be listened to.  What better way to invigorate the party and revitalise the work of members?

I have been tasked by the Party to be the national MP representative of the CPF.  My role will be to work with the CPF Board to help other MPs with their regional CPCs and assist CPFs to grow and flourish.  It is a great challenge.

As Oliver Letwin, (the Cabinet Minister in charge of policy development - pictured above), said today,  "the wisdom of Crowds is immense: cleverness doesn't just exist in centralised bureaucratic form".  In  other words, the ideas that come up from the grass roots, are often much better than those which come down from the establishment.

You can read more HERE, HERE and HERE.


by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com