North West Liberal Youth Chair defects to CF
Robert Manning, Regional Chairman of North West Conservative Future, has personally welcomed his region’s latest recruit: none other than his former Liberal Democrat opposite number, Cath Bennett.
Bennett, who stood down from her role in Liberal Youth and resigned her party membership earlier this week before joining the Conservatives today, released a short statement via Manning explaining her decision.
Former NWLY Chair Cath Bennett.
“I feel that the Conservatives are still the party that will campaign to protect the rural way of life, traditions and the rights of local people to decide what is best for the countryside”, she writes. “Local people, not necessarily Westminster, know what is best for their communities and it is the Conservative Party that most strongly reflects this commitment to localism.”
She also struck out against recent proposals to impose gender quotas on the boardrooms of private business. Her statement continues: “I passionately believe in equal representation in all walks of life but believe that this must come from an individual’s attributes. The Conservatives are the greatest champion of equality of opportunity and achievement through aspiration, not board room quotas.”
NWCF Chair Robert Manning
Manning described himself as ‘delighted’ to have Cath on-board in the North West. He continued: “Her energy and enthusiasm will make a great addition to CF in Lancashire! Having spoken to Cath frequently over the past month it became very clear that she would be right at home with us in the Conservative Party.
“Her passionate belief in localism, personal responsibility, and equality of opportunity are incredibly admirable traits and I know that she will be a great addition to North West CF.”
This latest development comes as NWCF prepares for an exciting few months. On top of increased activity in Carlisle and Blackpool and a new branch soon to launch in Ribble Valley, in November they play host to the prestigious Northern CF Partnership annual dinner. In December, Manning has got together with Northern Ireland regional chairman Matt Robinson to hold a first-of-its-kind fraternal trip to the province’s budding Conservative movement.
