NO SEAT TO FIGHT – NOW WHAT? Nominations have now closed. Many of my clients got selected and I’m looking forward to seeing them elected to Westminster at the end of the campaign. But what if you didn’t get a seat? I’m hearing from candidates who missed out in selection finals by as little as […]
As the election approaches a lot of relatively safe Conservative seats are coming free as the incumbents decide to call it a day. There hasn’t been such a bonanza since the timely clear out in 2010 which followed the expenses scandal. Despite the challenges of the role, a lot of able people still want to […]
As well as Mock Interviews, I also review application forms and Candidate CVs for my Clients. A strong candidate CV is vital because it gets you through the door of the interview room. With hundreds of applicants for safe seats your 3 page document really needs to stand out from the pack. It must convey […]
The Election Is Coming! Every week sees a new list of available seats rolled out seeking prospective candidates. Some are a more tempting prospect than others but all require the completion of a three page ‘Candidate CV’. This is the vital first stage in the selection process so it needs to be done well. […]
Since 2006 I have been advising clients facing the ordeal of a political selection interview. I like to keep my advice positive and upbeat but I’ve seen a lot of howlers committed, some more often than others. One error might not lose it for you but several together will guarantee you another rejection letter. The […]
Barndoor Strategy’s Roger Evans analyses Boris’ first speech as PM Intro There were some concerns that Boris had drifted a bit since his time at City Hall, that he had lost his edge and his mojo. As he strode into Downing Street last week, he will have known that these fears needed to be put […]
The recent formation of an Independent Group in Parliament drew considerable publicity but can it last? The breakaway group of 8 Labour and 3 Conservative MPs has many policy differences but is united by opposition to Brexit and a desire for a ‘new type of politics’ although this is more of a vision than a […]
Roger Evans sets out how aspiring politicians should plan for a turbulent 2019. The New Year stretches ahead, filled with excitement. 2019 promises to be as turbulent and unpredictable as its predecessors with Brexit expected in March if the current timetable can survive attempts to extend Article 50 or stage a second referendum. A period […]
Barndoor Strategy’s Roger Evans gives his advice on interview planning. Most interviewees don’t look forward to the ordeal. They view it as a series of hurdles – an opening presentation, an easy first question, a tough question, a sneaky question, some final questions, then they are over the finishing line. The problem with this approach […]
How many times have we heard speakers say that? It is easy to overlook key points or important arguments in the heat of debate, particularly if you are thinking about your body language and the reaction of the audience at the same time. Even when speeches are written it is all too common for pearls […]