The Young Britons’ Foundation was entirely inspired by the success, drive and spirit of the American conservative movement.

First introduced to organisations such as the American Conservative Union, the Young America’s Foundation, the Leadership Institute, Collegiate Network and the Heritage Foundation at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), it was clear to co-founder Donal Blaney and Greg Smith that Britain was behind in the training and development of younger political activists.

Working together, US think-tanks, activist groups and training organisations ensure that the next generation of conservative activists are well-briefed on the academic backbone of conservative ideas, trained in campaign techniques, media skills and political organisation.  No one group claims a monopoly, but all contribute to conservatism in America through their own initiatives.  Equally, none of these groups are directly affiliated to or at all associated with the Republican Party.

What is most striking about all of these groups, however, is their belief in principled conservatism which can be dated back precisely to the candidacy of Barry Goldwater for President of the United States in 1964.  At that time, conservatives in America were beginning to recognise the importance of individual freedom, a strong national defence, free enterprise and traditional values.

Goldwater did not become President, but his platform acted as a catalyst to drive the conservative agenda forward, with groups such as the American Conservative Union, Young America’s Foundation and the Heritage Foundation being formed to provide the backbone of the movement. In Ronald Reagan, American conservatives found a candidate who could deliver this exciting agenda and in the lead up to and during his Presidency, the movement grew in stature and strength.  Today, with a conservative President and despite Democrat control of Congress, their success continues.

Every year, Young America’s Foundation introduces thousands of American youth to these ideas through conferences, seminars and speaker events on campus; the Leadership Institute trains them in campaigning and media skills; and the Collegiate Network gives them essential support in getting the message heard on campus through newspapers.

Conservatives in Britain also believe in the ideas of individual freedom, a strong national defence, free enterprise and traditional values, and the mission of The Young Britons’ Foundation is to recreate the spirit of those US organisations in the United Kingdom.

To change the political culture away from dependency on political parties to do all the work – and recognise that training and political development can often be more effectively delivered outside of the recognised political structures.

There is no better country than the United States for British conservatives to look for inspiration.  We share a “special relationship”, both of our peoples are freedom loving, we stand together firmly on the international war on terrorism.  Our American cousins are our best friends in the world and their training organisations have set a good example for us to follow.  It is time to follow their lead.

Ronald Reagan once said, “freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.”  If the British youth of today are not given the opportunity to hear conservative ideas, then his grave prediction may yet come true.

YBF has recognized the generosity of the following individuals who are YBF’s Founder Donors. Without their generosity, YBF would not have been able to have been formed:

·       Kevin Fallon

·       John & Laura Midgeley

·       Paul Osborn

·       Paul Shea

·       Tom Scott

·       Chris Walsh

·       Sarkis Zeronian

YBF caught up with Clare Hilley – one of CF’s most experienced activists. We talked to her about where her conservative principles come from, her potential leadership ambitions and her thoughts on what Cameron should focus on. 

How and why did you get involved with Conservative politics?

When I was fourteen years old I was a Sergeant in the Air Training Corps and one of my duties was to fundraise for our squadron. I arranged a meeting with my local MP Richard Ottaway who subsequently gave the squadron some money and gave me his business card. He introduced me into politics and through him I joined my local Conservative association. I’ve always been a Conservative and ever since I was a child I used to debate politics and current affairs around the dinner table with my family. My parents never went to University, were born on a council estate in Stockwell and through sheer grit and determination they worked very hard to get where they are today. I’ve always believed that anyone can achieve anything if they work hard for it and shouldn’t be penalised for doing so. The sad fact is that under a Labour Government, millions of hardworking families have been slammed with unnecessary tax burdens.

Tell us about CF in your area, what do you focus on? Socials? Campaigns? Social action?

I’m currently the Area Chair for London South and the Chair of Croydon Conservative Future. Within London South there are 28 constituencies that I am responsible for as well as a membership of over 300. We have had lots of campaign days recently as well as socials.

Last year I was appointed representative for the Poppy Appeal in Purley. We organised several Poppy selling events which were attended by many young activists from CF. The Poppy Appeal is a charity that has always been very close to my heart and I intend to run similar campaigns this year.

As a senior member of CF, have you noticed any marked changes in it over the last couple of years?

During the 2005 general election I was on the NME under Paul Bristow’s leadership, an Area and Branch Chair in Lancashire as well as a Campaign Manager and Council Candidate in Lancaster & Wyre, so it was a busy time. Back then CF was a vibrant and fair organisation loaded with positive activists that had a passion for the party as a whole.

Since then, the huge success of CF has brought many changes with it, and not all of them have been positive. The organisation has attracted several sharp eyed careerists keen to capitalise on the years of hard work put in by the original membership. This ego driven portion of the organisation, whilst very small, has in turn brought with it a culture of occasional bullying and negativity.

Despite the ugly characteristics of this new breed within the membership, I still firmly believe that the vast majority of Conservative Future members are passionate about the party. It is up to us to ensure that this culture outnumbers that of the opportunists if Conservative Future is to remain a credible force for the party. 

Are there some things that you would like to change about the way CF works?

Firstly, as the leader of the organisation the Chairman’s credentials and commitment must be crystal clear. We must remember that Conservative Future has been built and run by volunteers who give up their weekends and valuable time to help make the party a better place. Given this fact, I think that the Chairman needs to be someone who has sweated for CF for at least three years and proved their loyalty to the organisation. For too long careerists have been able to slip in through the back door on a few empty words; in a voluntary organisation this simply cannot continue.

Secondly, we need a national database to list all fully paid up members of Conservative Future. The membership has been badly let down by a string of broken promises on a key election issue.

Thirdly, I would hold regular national campaign days. Conservative Future needs to be out on the doorsteps within branch constituencies making an impact as we have done in previous years.

Do you have any aspirations for holding high office in CF?

I am passionate about CF and believe that I have the experience to become chairman one day but it depends on who is running and whether I agree with their policies. If no one is standing over the next few years with radical reforms that will actually be implemented then I’d be tempted to throw my hat in the ring.

For too long the membership has been let down by second rate careerism and it’s time for a change.

What’s you take on Gordon Brown’s leadership? Do you think he’ll be stabbed in the back by his Cabinet colleagues?

Gordon Brown’s leadership has been a disaster. After plundering the British pension pots, taxing hard working families till they bleed and losing the personal data of half the population, it is safe to say Brown is the worst Prime Minister in history.

Whether or not his colleagues are brave enough to wield the knife is another matter. Currently with no credible alternative, it looks like Labour is stuck with him.

Assuming Brown does stay, what should David Cameron focus on between now and the election?

Cameron needs to focus on issues that matter to hard working British families. Providing a quality education and first class health service are fundamental to a Conservative victory. I would also like to see a pledge to reduce the tax burden in the face of soaring food and oil prices.

Finally, which one law would you repeal?

The hunting ban as it’s a national disgrace.