The last time I settled down at a 'live' 4 hour musical extravaganza was at a Bruce Springstein concert. But last night, it was Kerry Eisteddfod. I was the Evening President. Fantastic standard, as performers, some of whom might have been giving a trial run to their entries for the 'National' in August. Before the 'President's Address' I was introduced by my old dear friend, Hefin Bennett, who is one of the few people who remember that I'm something of a bard myself, having won two Eisteddfod Chairs in the late 1960s. Anyway, the fabulous welcome that I received convinced me that I must 'put in my application' for the right to try to become Member of Parliament for Montgomeryshire.
First step was to win a place on the Conservative Party's official 'List of Candidates' - which was last week. The next hurdle is to try to win the nomination to become the candidate for my party in Montgomeryshire. I have to take this decision today, because this week is the last chance before the application window closes. So, tomorrow I will be throwing my hat into the ring - entering the competition to become Conservative candidate for my home area at the next General Election.
And don't you know it. Following discussion of all this on ConservativeHome, this blog's Journalist of the Year has been on the phone today. The Western Mail's truffle hound, Martin Shipton wants to know whether I'm going for selection. So I told him that I am. And now the BBC's truffle hound, Mark Palmer has been on as well. Yes again. I tell them that my fate is now up to the to the Montgomeryshire members.
Why do I want to do it? Well, firstly I really enjoy the constituency work I've been doing in Montgomeryshire for the last 30+ years, in one way or another. Secondly, I really miss being part of the building work that is going on, creating new political structures in Wales, an important part of which takes place at Westminster. And thirdly, I am desperately keen to continue my involvement in changing the way the people of Montgomeryshire and Wales think of my party. And there are a host of other reasons as well.
Inevitably, I suppose, Martin wanted to know what I think of the incumbent MP. What I can say is that my decision has got nothing whatsoever to do with Lembit Opik. I accept that I have said in the past that I, personally don't much like the 'celebrity' style of politics but I've always got along very well with Lembit - and if I am successful with my application for selection, I wouldn't want there to be any change.
So there we are. The hat is in the ring. Now, its just do my best and hope for success.
20 comments:
Very pleased to hear you've decided to go for the selection. Good luck.
Nice hat - well worth the throw
this is good news for Wales and for public life overall. Both need more Glyn Davies'es but the original will more than suffice. I wish you all the best in your quest for selection and election. Good luck.
Ardderchog Glyn - dwi'n teimlo'r awydd i symud i'r etholaeth er mwyn bwrw pleidlais ar dy ran..!
Yn falch iawn dy fod yn bwriadu herio lebit. Rwy'n gwbl argyhoeddedig y gwnei di ei drechu'n rhacs.
Best of luck.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/mid/6734733.stm
'"He stood against me in 1997, and he has stood against Peter Black in the past and he has lost every time," he (Lemsip Optic) said.'
When did you stand against Peter Black, Glyn?
"He stood against me in 1997, and he has stood against Peter Black in the past and he has lost every time," he (Lemsip Optic) said.'
It now reads "Mick Bates" ;-)
Hooray! Big Sister would kill me for saying so because, as she has recently made it clear, she thinks Tories are a kind of smallpox virus to be avoided at all costs but I am quite brave so I will say hooray again. No more carpetbaggers for Montgomeryshire, please. Best wishes Myfanwy
In the early days Lembit showed a great deal of promise and had so much on offer. He was the best shoe salesman I've ever met.
Thanks. Peter Black thinks everyone has been giving me far too easy a ride since May 3rd - so he won't like the best wishes.
Its rather cruel of Lembit to remind everyone that he defeated me in 1997 - and that Mick defeated me in 1999 and 2003. But I was getting nearer. He sounds hugely confident.
Myfanwy - I admire your courage. Your big sister frightens the life out of me and I would never have taken the risk. I will keep your identity secret!
UK Daily Pundit - Perhaps its a case of selling de shoes for de feet.
Congratulations Glyn. I was waiting for that official confirmation. Perhaps you can repeat what the Tories did in 1979. However, I'm more interested in whether you think Dan Munford will try and stand for the Tory post? In the meantime, and in my neutral position - best of luck. I'm looking forward to the debates between you and Lembit.
It's good that you are standing against Lembit Opik - I hope that you are successful. Although I am not within your Constituency - and therefore I cannot vote - I have sent recent emails to the Welsh and the Parliamentary Lib Dems, criticising Lembit Opik for his thoughtless and publicity-seeking behaviour, and suggesting that he seems to prefer a life within Entertainment rather than Politics. I feel that he is an embarrassment to Wales, and to the Wales Lib Dems. The sooner he is replaced as an MP, the better. Admittedly, his private life is his business, but it is never private. He courts publicity like a waning Pop Star.
Montgomeryshire witness - Glyn already knows this, but I can tell you that I have decided not to apply this time. I will be backing Glyn.
I wish you the best of luck for you electoral ambition. Also I might be studying in Wales by the time of the next election so if you need any help is selected let me know. I am quite keen on helping get rid of many Labour and Liberal Democrats as much as I can and would love to help get rid of that Numpty Lempit Opik.
Best of luck, Glyn. But will miss Cheeky still love Lembo when he's no longer an MP?
Thanks again for all the support.
Allan - I am not going to criticise Lembit. Its just that he does it a different way from me. Anyway, I've always got along ok with him.
Dan - Your support is very important to me. You did a top job making Montgomeryshire a marginal seat.
Sanddef - If only such confidence was justified. We need to talk Cymuned business. I'm hoping to call on Aran soon.
Good luck Glyn
There is no need to knock Lembit. He is doing a spectacular job on his own.
Step one completed. Now to gain selection as candidate.
As to my pledge of £1000 towards campaign funds, it is for you to decide when the campaign to unseat incumbent MP begins. It is for you to inform me as to when funds are required. Whereafter cheque will be in the post. Really.
Dear Glyn,
I've posted here before. Very enjoyable blog, we'd love to commission you to write some comments on Welsh politics for OurKingdom. Haven't managed to find any better way of contacting you that this unfortunately! Please do get in touch asap if you're interested at jon.bright@opendemocracy.net
Best wishes,
Jon Bright
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