Friday, February 17, 2006
Tories in disarray (again)
David Cameron's new style Conservative Party struck again last night when a Conservative candidate for the 2007 assembly elections who once said gays had a "medical mental condition" quit, a day after being selected.
John Jenkins, 25, blamed "speculation" about the comments on a website three years ago for his decision to resign "in the interests of the party". He was to stand in Carmarthen West and Pembrokeshire South next year.
As interesting as this decision is, there do remain some unanswered questions that lead me to believe that this 'resignation' had nothing to do with principle and everything to do with avoiding an unpleasant public relations disaster. Firstly, if John Jenkins is so unacceptable in today's Tory Party then why is he allowed to continue as an official Conservative on Carmarthenshire County Council and as Deputy Chair of his regional party organisation? Secondly, why was he approved as a candidate in the first place and allowed to go all the way through shortlisting and ultimately selection?
If David Cameron really wants to send a message about the way he is allegedly changing his party then he needs to address those issues as well. One of the reasons why he will not do so lies in the decision to select John Jenkins. For, despite having full knowledge of his views and his past indiscretion, the Conservative Members of Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire still chose him to represent them. Perhaps a more root and branch purge is needed!
John Jenkins, 25, blamed "speculation" about the comments on a website three years ago for his decision to resign "in the interests of the party". He was to stand in Carmarthen West and Pembrokeshire South next year.
As interesting as this decision is, there do remain some unanswered questions that lead me to believe that this 'resignation' had nothing to do with principle and everything to do with avoiding an unpleasant public relations disaster. Firstly, if John Jenkins is so unacceptable in today's Tory Party then why is he allowed to continue as an official Conservative on Carmarthenshire County Council and as Deputy Chair of his regional party organisation? Secondly, why was he approved as a candidate in the first place and allowed to go all the way through shortlisting and ultimately selection?
If David Cameron really wants to send a message about the way he is allegedly changing his party then he needs to address those issues as well. One of the reasons why he will not do so lies in the decision to select John Jenkins. For, despite having full knowledge of his views and his past indiscretion, the Conservative Members of Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire still chose him to represent them. Perhaps a more root and branch purge is needed!
