Let's all laugh at the Tories!

so actively head hunting minorities?

im not saying it isnt a problem and that it would be better for the Conservative party, like all parties to be better represented, but engineering in this way goes against what alot of the classic liberals and old Whigs stood for, liberty.

This is the very reason why the very traditional Tories are hampering the Tory party. What about newer conservative values such as 'choice', 'enterprise' etc...

A party cannot be regarded highly if it main belief is we don't liek change, anti this and that...

Engineering is a harsh word. It sounds as if things are being changed that aren't supposed to be. There are supposed to be minority groups in all parties and yes they should be head-hunted.

Why would any minorities want to join a grey, dying, wheezing old party like the Tories?

Can you not see that noone wants to engineer society. As you recogines, there needs to be open selection. We all agree upon that. So why does the Tory party have so few minorities if it is a truly open society - there must be something wrong here!

LOL but surely there are some young, modern Tories who would be taking this point much more seriously than many on this board have.

the fact is the make up of the Tory party reflects in general the number of people standing for Tory MP. the something wrong, is that not enough of minority groups stand for Tory MP. if you dont like that then you have to resort to engineering candidacies. there is nothing more the party can do without falling down that slippery slope. i think they are also wrong in believing that the Tory part does not appreciate or encourage minorities to join. their policy, like the labour parties is openly pro-minority. as we have seen in america, it is the education of the public that needs to to be addressed. as Britons taking part in British democracy, they should be interested in what the party can do for them as Britons rather than concerned about differences in colour and race, something they and the liberal left are supposedly trying to eradicate.

i would hasten to add that continual tory-bashing hardly induces conservative voters to come forward and take the discussion seriously...

In my experience, a lot of Asians are conservative. Why then aren't there any Tory MPs? Are you saying non-whites and women don't vote Tory? If so why don't they? Also Why didn't they put up an asian candidate in a safe seat liek they did on other occasions like with Portillo?

You're right with education etc... but every party in the UK is in the same boat but they are more representative.

A recent poll on this board showed that there were lots of Tories. In politics you have to stand up and speak you mind. Where are these Tories and why don't they stick up for you side. I feel sorry for you vienna95 'cos you're the only one who will give a serious defense. It may feel like Tory bashing but its mainly cos noone is answering back.

they are conservative in values or they vote conservative?

Both - have the values and vote Tory.


That's the problem - a lot of politicians just don't know, don't see a problem and so don't do anything about it.

correction: they dont know why, wonder why and make efforts to change party policy to encourage minorities.

I didn't say they should change policy. Do be open and welcoming to minorities shouldn't need any policy change. As I said before, a lot of minorities have Tory values. It needs a change in image and attitude. For example your attitude isn't gonna attract anyone.

I reckon Boris Johnson should be the next Tory leader. I would vote him for him.

it is the presentation that has changed. all-women shortlists are a policy change in my eyes.