Everything in Politics starts with an idea. The Conservative Policy Forum is here to find the world-changing, era-defining ideas and shape the policies of tomorrow.
The Woking Conservative Policy Forum was born in January 2020 with a maiden event at the Woking Conservative Club and nicknamed ‘Politics and a Pint’, an opportunity for like-minded individuals and members to meet over a drink and devise the Conservative policy ideas of the future. Whilst the Covid-19 pandemic struck soon afterwards, the Woking CPF continued to go from strength to strength, with members meeting over Zoom and discussing ideas around a wide range of policy areas. There are typically 12 to 18 members present at each event from the full range of the Conservative spectrum, and we have grown in our first year to be one of the most successful CPF’s in the country, recently receiving recognition from Anna Firth, National CPF Director, at the Surrey Area Conference.
The topics are set by CCHQ, with the conversation documented throughout. Our policy ideas are submitted to the Conservative central policy unit, with a high-level summary included in ministers red boxes. The ideas are used to formulate new legislation and also election manifesto pledges – 57% of the national CPF ideas collated were included in the 2019 General Election manifesto. Recent topics have included –
- Public Services
- Workers & Families
- Infrastructure, Investment & Devolution
- The Coronavirus Response
These are fun, informal but lively debates, and a genuine opportunity to influence national policy. Our MP Jonathan Lord makes regular appearances at our events to update us on all things Westminster and provide a view on the discussion topic from a Parliamentary party perspective.
Please keep an eye on our events page for upcoming events, or email [email protected] for more information.