University of Warwick Conservative Association

The University of Warwick Conservative Association is the largest political society at Warwick University dedicated to ensuring the Conservative Party's voice is heard on campus. The society prides itself on attracting a diverse range of political beliefs from all walks of life. The society also has a strong social programme, and recently helped to renovate the local Bath Place Community Centre after a fire had burned down the previous building. . Each year a variety of speakers are invited to address the society, other events have included trips to the House of Commons, local Association Black-tie dinners and trips to meet John Major and Michael Howard.
The society has been present on campus since the University was founded in 1965. Those few past members who have gone on to rise through the ranks of the party include David Davis, Shadow Home Secretary and failed leadership contender and Tim Loughton, the Shadow Minister for Children, who was Secretary of Warwick Conservatives from 1981-82 and recently appeared on the Channel Four programme "Tower Block of Commons". A Constitution for the Society was agreed and signed in July 2005 at the society's Chingford Constitutional Convention .

The University of Warwick Conservative Association seeks to provide an avenue for students to get involved with the Conservative Party, and works closely with local campaigns in local seats in order to provide support for upcoming elections.
The Association is consistently the largest political grouping at Warwick University averaging 80 paid up members per year with a strong, growing network of supporting alumni.
Students' Union Elections
The society has a strong tradition of running in Students' Union elections. In 2005, the then Chairman Bill Rees came 5th out of 9 candidates gaining 183 votes in the 1st round for President. In 2008, James Berragan, Peter Thomas and Thomas Wales ran together on the 'The Right Direction' slate for President, Vice-President and Societies Officer respectively. Berragan came 3rd/4 with 290 votes; Thomas came in 4th with 346 votes and Wales 6th with 133 votes. The Society has since discontinued this practice.
The 1965 Committee
This is the ruling Committee of the Society. The current members are:
*Life President: Rt Hon David Davis MP, 2007-present
*Chairman: Andrew O'Brien
*Deputy Chairman (Financial): Joe Billiness
*Deputy Chairman (Political): Johnathon Cope
*Secretary: Billy Jones
*Social Secretary: James Somerville
*Committee Members: Christopher Evans, Charlotte Coombs
Previous 1965 Committee Chairmen
*Unknown (1965-1997)
*Alex Banks, 1997-1998
*Kevin Foster, 1998-1999
*Simon Eardley, 1999-2000
*James Griffen, 2000-2001
*Hayden Allan, 2001-2002
*Simon Baker, 2002-2003
*James Turgoose, 2003-2004
*Richard Sherwell, 2004-2005
*Bill Rees, 2005-2006
*Matt Hartley, 2006-2007
*James Berragan, 2007-2008
*Faye Lawson, 2008-2009
Previous 1965 Committee Treasurers & Deputy Chairmen (Financial)
*Unknown (1965-2002)
*James Turgoose, 2002-2003
*Alex Wilson, 2003-2004
*Francis Kershaw, 2004-2005
*Neil Gillies, 2005-2006
*Nick Kinrade, 2006-2007
*Thomas Wales, 2008-2009
Previous 1965 Committee Deputy Chairmen (Political)
*Unknown (1965-2002)
*James Turgoose, 2002-2003
*Richard Sherwell, 2003-2004
*Bill Rees, 2004-2005
*Neil Gillies, 2005-2006
*Cristian Smith, 2006-2007
*[, 2008-2009
Previous 1965 Committee Secretaries
*Tim Loughton, 1981-1982
*Cristian Smith, 2004-2005
*Matt Hartley, 2005-2006
*Matthew Alderson, 2006-2007

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