Nigel Farages Blog

marcus · 29-03-2008, 06:26 PM

http://www.euractiv.com/29/images/ni...m29-162097.jpg

The Following is from the UKIP website - Nigel Farages Blog.
-----------------------------------------------------------

I have long been concerned that UKIP must cease to be predominantly a party of pensioners. Our message must appeal to as broad a section of society as possible. This means that we need younger messengers – and the signs are that we are beginning to acquire them.

At a well-attended meeting of Surrey's UKIP members last week, the county's prospective parliamentary candidates (PPC's) spoke for a few minutes each. All spoke very well; but I particularly enjoyed hearing the 35-year-old PPC for Woking, Roy Burbury.

Just over the border in Sussex, the Horsham Branch has selected Harry Aldridge, who is only 22. This is not a case of pursuing young candidates as part of any demeaning, positively-discriminatory quota, but the just recognition of energy and ability among a growing number of younger recruits, of both sexes, whose arrival in our ranks is making UKIP far more representative and should therefore be reflected strongly in our electoral lists for the EU-elections of 2009.

Encouraging signs are coming also from the activity of our youth-wing, Young Independence, which is now under the excellent stewardship of Lisa Duffy. At our recent South West Conference, in Exeter, the audience was delighted to hear from Lisa, and two new members of this important section of the party.

Last week, again, I had a heartening insight into Lisa's work, when I spoke at an "Unlock Democracy" conference at Westminster. There was a large audience of students present and, in the foyer, a Young Independence stall, stocked with new UKIP literature. After the panel-debate, Lisa signed up 12 new members, one of whom is keen to become a candidate. Everything about the way this was done was impressively professional.

We have known for some years that many young people agree with UKIP's stand, but that certain negative perceptions – especially those relating to the average age of the membership – have deterred them from joining. Now they are starting to listen to us in significantly increasing numbers, and I'm very glad to be able to say so, for they are, in every sense, our future.

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chikrodah · 30-03-2008, 04:34 PM

AFAIK, the PPC for Woking is Rob Burberry, not Roy Burbury!

It will be interesting to see how many votes both Rob and Harry (BTW, well done, Harry) garner in the forthcoming GE compared to the oldest candidates, such as the PPC for Witney.

Alex McKee · 31-03-2008, 12:06 AM

Well done Harry.

I have a feeling the young have always been listening. I've been a member of UKIP since 2004 and in our branch in Gloucester, I was not the first member under 30. There were 3 of us on the committee even back in 2004.

If the younger members are made to feel welcome, that input is valuable and welcome (although for God's sake don't tell them that their input is more valuable 'cause they'll know you're bullshitting) then you'll find they stick around.

Mike Smith in Gloucester is an excellent chairman.

harryaldridge · 31-03-2008, 09:45 AM

Cheers guys. I will certainly give it my best shot against the cretinous Francis Maude.

As I have said many times before I think that we have the right underlying message. We just need to engage in the debate on an aspirational level, painting our vision of Britain and showing the EU as a barrier to this vision, rather than trying to attack the EU in the vain hope people will react in anger.

I always used to scream at the TV when Blair used to stand up at Labour conference and say he wanted "opportunity for the many, not the few". Find me a single person in the country who disagrees! But when people hear that they 'see' Labour as the only party with that belief.

marcus · 31-03-2008, 07:48 PM

At 26 years old i am one of the younger members i imagine, Nigel is one of the few politicians that seems to appeal to the younger generation. If only he could get some more coverage on tv.

harryaldridge · 31-03-2008, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marcus

At 26 years old i am one of the younger members i imagine, Nigel is one of the few politicians that seems to appeal to the younger generation. If only he could get some more coverage on tv.

I agree entirely. awareness is perhaps the biggest battle we face. The issues are one thing, but gaining recognition and 'brand awareness' in the minds of voters is fundamental. The more media coverage we get the better since it allows us to get our views across, entrench our image as a credible voice in voter's minds, and boost our profile.

marcus · 01-04-2008, 10:27 PM

I would agree, and on that note I would urge all to get material from their local branch and distribute it. We can not just sit back and winge that we don't get enough tv coverage. What we can do is get mail in peoples letter boxes. I believe the policies sell themselves really. Nigel and Gerard and many others are great voices for these. Lets try and get material out there so they get the best possible coverage. I believe that we are in a golden era for UKIP when it comes to charismatic leaders, I think as the younger members we need to help get their voices heard. We are the next generation of this country - we need a movement for change. At present I do not like the path which the government is following.

Alex McKee · 01-04-2008, 10:38 PM

Going leafleting as soon as the leaflets arrive...

Raymond Finch · 01-04-2008, 11:50 PM

In Havant we have 4 candidates of 30 or younger in the local elections.
Last year we only had 4 candidates in total.
Other branches in Hampshire are starting to get younger members as well.
I am feeling quite positive. I hope the Youth movement becomes more active. We could do with representatives in Freshers weeks in the universities.

29-03-2008, 06:26 PM	#1 (permalink)
marcus Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 203	Nigel Farages Blog - The Young are starting to Listen! http://www.euractiv.com/29/images/ni...m29-162097.jpg The Following is from the UKIP website - Nigel Farages Blog. ----------------------------------------------------------- I have long been concerned that UKIP must cease to be predominantly a party of pensioners. Our message must appeal to as broad a section of society as possible. This means that we need younger messengers – and the signs are that we are beginning to acquire them. At a well-attended meeting of Surrey's UKIP members last week, the county's prospective parliamentary candidates (PPC's) spoke for a few minutes each. All spoke very well; but I particularly enjoyed hearing the 35-year-old PPC for Woking, Roy Burbury. Just over the border in Sussex, the Horsham Branch has selected Harry Aldridge, who is only 22. This is not a case of pursuing young candidates as part of any demeaning, positively-discriminatory quota, but the just recognition of energy and ability among a growing number of younger recruits, of both sexes, whose arrival in our ranks is making UKIP far more representative and should therefore be reflected strongly in our electoral lists for the EU-elections of 2009. Encouraging signs are coming also from the activity of our youth-wing, Young Independence, which is now under the excellent stewardship of Lisa Duffy. At our recent South West Conference, in Exeter, the audience was delighted to hear from Lisa, and two new members of this important section of the party. Last week, again, I had a heartening insight into Lisa's work, when I spoke at an "Unlock Democracy" conference at Westminster. There was a large audience of students present and, in the foyer, a Young Independence stall, stocked with new UKIP literature. After the panel-debate, Lisa signed up 12 new members, one of whom is keen to become a candidate. Everything about the way this was done was impressively professional. We have known for some years that many young people agree with UKIP's stand, but that certain negative perceptions – especially those relating to the average age of the membership – have deterred them from joining. Now they are starting to listen to us in significantly increasing numbers, and I'm very glad to be able to say so, for they are, in every sense, our future. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Last edited by marcus; 29-03-2008 at 06:41 PM.

31-03-2008, 12:06 AM	#3 (permalink)
Alex McKee Moderator Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Gloucester Posts: 6,666	Well done Harry. I have a feeling the young have always been listening. I've been a member of UKIP since 2004 and in our branch in Gloucester, I was not the first member under 30. There were 3 of us on the committee even back in 2004. If the younger members are made to feel welcome, that input is valuable and welcome (although for God's sake don't tell them that their input is more valuable 'cause they'll know you're bullshitting) then you'll find they stick around. Mike Smith in Gloucester is an excellent chairman. __________________ Anything I post on this web forum is my personal opinion only. Users on Ignore list: None.

31-03-2008, 09:45 AM	#4 (permalink)
harryaldridge Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: West Sussex Posts: 1,912	Cheers guys. I will certainly give it my best shot against the cretinous Francis Maude. As I have said many times before I think that we have the right underlying message. We just need to engage in the debate on an aspirational level, painting our vision of Britain and showing the EU as a barrier to this vision, rather than trying to attack the EU in the vain hope people will react in anger. I always used to scream at the TV when Blair used to stand up at Labour conference and say he wanted "opportunity for the many, not the few". Find me a single person in the country who disagrees! But when people hear that they 'see' Labour as the only party with that belief. __________________ http://vindicovindico.blogspot.com

01-04-2008, 10:38 PM	#8 (permalink)
Alex McKee Moderator Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Gloucester Posts: 6,666	Going leafleting as soon as the leaflets arrive... __________________ Anything I post on this web forum is my personal opinion only. Users on Ignore list: None.

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30-03-2008, 04:34 PM	#2 (permalink)
chikrodah Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Midlands Posts: 1,872	AFAIK, the PPC for Woking is Rob Burberry, not Roy Burbury! It will be interesting to see how many votes both Rob and Harry (BTW, well done, Harry) garner in the forthcoming GE compared to the oldest candidates, such as the PPC for Witney.

31-03-2008, 07:48 PM	#5 (permalink)
marcus Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 203	At 26 years old i am one of the younger members i imagine, Nigel is one of the few politicians that seems to appeal to the younger generation. If only he could get some more coverage on tv.

01-04-2008, 10:27 PM	#7 (permalink)
marcus Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 203	I would agree, and on that note I would urge all to get material from their local branch and distribute it. We can not just sit back and winge that we don't get enough tv coverage. What we can do is get mail in peoples letter boxes. I believe the policies sell themselves really. Nigel and Gerard and many others are great voices for these. Lets try and get material out there so they get the best possible coverage. I believe that we are in a golden era for UKIP when it comes to charismatic leaders, I think as the younger members we need to help get their voices heard. We are the next generation of this country - we need a movement for change. At present I do not like the path which the government is following.

01-04-2008, 11:50 PM	#9 (permalink)
Raymond Finch Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 515	In Havant we have 4 candidates of 30 or younger in the local elections. Last year we only had 4 candidates in total. Other branches in Hampshire are starting to get younger members as well. I am feeling quite positive. I hope the Youth movement becomes more active. We could do with representatives in Freshers weeks in the universities.