I gather that Conservative Party central office has laid-off its 3 members of staff in Belfast following the disastrous Conservative/Ulster Unionist Party alliance that saw a decline in the combined Conservative/UUP vote here at the general election.
It appears that the NI Area of the Conservative Party is literally depleted of funds – having invested just about all of its money running (mostly UUP) candidates in the general election – and funding the majority of Jim Nicholson’s Euro election campaign.
Moreover while Nicholson’s Euro-expenses help fund two local employees, the Conservatives receive no benefit (despite having funded his campaign).
I gather that all three CCHQ employees here – including Neil Johnston, the local campaign Director – are now on “gardening leave”. CCHQ has not made clear if it will be funding a local office here in future. Moreover the UUP “leader”, Sir Reg Empey, made clear at an Executive meeting of the UUP at the weekend that his party’s relationship with the Conservative Party is now under review.
Jeff,
Why don’t you set up the Jeff Peel Party?
Sounds like your ideas have lots of electoral appeal, just noone’s had the wit to implement them.
G
George, thanks for the suggestion. Hmm the Jeff Peel Party – definitely has appeal. I presume I’d be the only member so at least risk of splits would be limited.
Sorry, can I just confirm something with you? Are you saying that a portion of Jim Nicholson’s European Parliamentary allowances have been used to fund posts that are party-political/campaigning in nature and not directly related to his work as an MEP?
Not suggesting that at all. However, it would be useful if you comment not to hide behind the “Anon” handle. A tad unfair to make demands without disclosing who you are.
Anon, I have now had some clarification re. Jim Nicholson’s staff activities during the election campaign. My informant tells me that Jo-Anne Dobson works at the Albertbridge Rd (UU office) working for Jim. However, according to my informant, “Stephen Nicoll spent the GE campaign at Weavers Court. He was brought in by the UUs as “senior” to the Conservative Party Campaign Director (Neil Johnston) and definitely was NOT doing work for Jim Nicholson”. However, you may want to raise the matter with the Ulster Unionist Party – as, needless to say, I cannot verify whether this report is accurate or not.
Jeff, surely the Conservative Party central office in Sandy row was set up only for UCUNF on the 6th May Westminster election.
Now the election is over the UUP/Tory link up is defunct, and both parties are to go their separate ways.
The cost of keeping the office open (paid for by the Conservatives) can only be of benefit to the NI Conservatives and not the UUP.
There was a belief had UCUNF been anyway successful in the election then this could have led the way to a total merger between UUP and Conservative Party.
But although there are those in high places in both parties who would still like this to happen, its pie in the sky.
Think you are correct. All a bit of a damp squib. Just can’t quite understand why so many in the Conservative Party were seduced by the initiative.
Would be pretty sure the local Regional Director might have thought otherwise.