A successful CPF conference  

Anyone who says that grassroots debate has disappeared from the heart of politics just needs to look at the Conservative Policy Forum, whose first Winter Conference was held at Scalford Hall in Melton Mowbray last weekend. I had the pleasure of kicking off the proceedings at the venue, reflecting on the CPF’s achievements just one year after its re-launch. Participation in the organisation – whose groups form and submit policy suggestions direct to ministers – has increased from eight per cent of Conservative-held constituencies to more than 45 per cent. This is testament to the Party’s commitment to the Voluntary Party that these groups – from Scotland to Cornwall, Wales to East Anglia – are working towards the key document which will secure an outright Conservative majority: our 2015 manifesto. I made clear to the delegates on Saturday morning how important their role is....