Left Foot Forward has been banned from attending Conservative Party conference. In a letter dated 23rd September from the Conservative Party’s Head of Conferences, Stephen Williams writes:
“I am writing to let you know that you application to attend the above event [Conservative Party Conference] has been rejected…
“For over twenty years the party has included the following words on its application forms; ‘the completion and submission of this application does not confer any right upon the applicant to attend conference. The Conservative Party reserves the right to refuse admission to any person without ascribing any reason thereto.’
“I am sure you appreciate that these words and this policy were carefully chosen to avoid the development of any misunderstanding.
“I know this is not the reply you were hoping for, and I am sorry for that. However, it would not be sensible for me to fly in the face of agreed and accepted practices.”
Left Foot Forward will, nonetheless, report live from the Conservative fringe.
Left Foot Forward doesn't have the backing of big business or billionaires. We rely on the kind and generous support of ordinary people like you.
You can support hard-hitting journalism that holds the right to account, provides a forum for debate among progressives, and covers the stories the rest of the media ignore. Donate today.
17 Responses to “Left Foot Forward banned from Tory party conference”
Swagata
Banned… or refused entry? I suspect places are at a premium and small blogs (how many readers come here?) might not get a look in. Maybe you can get in next year if this blog takes off?
Tom Miller
LFF banned from Tory conference: http://bit.ly/nXrv1
Jessica Asato
RT @nextleft might open web spirit see party drop policy of refusing conf access to grown-up oppo like @leftfootfwd? http://tiny.cc/c6oCk
Henry
They probably need some extra places for the Murdochs’ lackeys.
Tom
Hmm, I wonder whether you’ve made a bit of a mistake in the naming of this whole enterprise. To someone who knows nothing about the site, its aims and (lack of) party affiliations, ‘Left Foot Forward’ is quite a partisan name that does make you sound more radical/leftist than you actually are.
‘Think Progress’, meanwhile, strongly hints at its political leanings but doesn’t ram it down your throat in the same way (or allow itself to be misinterpreted by party chairman who probably just make a stereotype judgment from the name).