Regional politics (Julie Smith)

Regional Politics

Julie became Chair of the East of England Region of the Party on 1st January 2010. She was previously a member of the Regional Policy Committee from 2007 to 2009, serving as chair for the last two years. In that role, she was responsible for drafting regional policy papers on Climate Change (2007), the economic situation in the region (2008) and a regional manifesto in 2009, all of which link to her policy priorities for Cambridge. She was a member of the Regional Development Committee in 2009 and served ex officio on the Regional Conference Committee and Regional Executive and Management Committees in 2008 and 2009.

Julie speaking at regional conference in 2008

Taking over as Regional Chair only months before the general election, I devoted the first few months in my new role to campaigning in key seats, particularly Norwich South, in which we narrowly defeated Charles Clarke, Cambridge, Watford and Luton South, and to encouraging other to do likewise. Now the time has come to work on a longer term plan for the Region and I am working with colleagues to outline a clear vision for the Party in the East of England. Apart from the electoral milestones, from local to national and European elections, as well as the Fair Votes Referendum, key issues for the Region will be increasing and diversifying our membership and ensuring that now members know they are valued whether as candidates, party strategists, deliverers or active in any other way.