Joanna stood as the disruptor candidate in the 2024 election for the National Conservative Convention Chair. Below are all the details of her campaign.
A BOLD, FRESH VOICE FOR MEMBERS.
I am standing for the position of Chair of the National Convention. Voting takes place online 28 August – 16 September. If you are a member of the NC, you will have received emails about the elections. If you’re not sure, email [email protected].
I am the new broom, keen to empower the party membership at party board level and help put the Conservatives back on track for government again.
BOLD: effective leadership is what I do best. I have rebuilt a floundering Association, Holborn and St Pancras, which I have chaired since 2020. For nine years I have led a team now raising over £500k annually for Macmillan Cancer Support. I also chair my Cambridge College Alumni Society, leading this sociable group through Covid and beyond. My background in teaching modern languages, and my experiences as the mother of a neurodivergent son, inspired me to found Conservative Friends of Neurodiversity last year, which was eagerly supported by volunteers and leading parliamentarians alike.
FRESH: I am new to the National Convention, bringing new blood and fresh ideas to the Party Board, if elected. I hope to show that leadership of the National Convention is an opportunity for the best person for the role. Goodness knows we need this now. I am well-known throughout the Party, from the (now shadow) Cabinet across the many membership networks and am respected for being confidently forthright but also collaborative and friendly.
MEMBERS: I experienced the last election as an Association Chair, as a candidate (for Hackney South and Shoreditch) and as a donor. As Chair, I know how important it is to support Associations to select their own candidates, and early, as far as is humanly possible. My candidate experiences were vital for understanding what colleagues on the approved list were faced with. And as a donor, I have put my money where my mouth is since 2017, although I usually keep that under the radar. But now is not the time to be shy.
Coverage
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Fears of CCHQ “Stitch-Up” in National Conservative Convention Election
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Tories fire starting gun on voluntary chair race
Originally published in The Spectator It’s the Tory race on everyone’s lips. No, not the battle to be the next party leader but rather the contest to chair the Conservatives’ National Convention. The body effectively serves as the parliament of the voluntary party and...
Disquiet in CCHQ as ‘Stich-Up’ Election Contested for First Time in Years
Originally published at Guido Fawkes While the Tories present no opposition to Starmer’s government and dig in for the long leadership campaign, there are rumbling in other parts of CCHQ. The election for Chairman of the Tory National Convention is running...
Campaigning
Endorsements
Rt Hon Gillian Keegan, former Secretary of State for Education
“I got to know Joanna through her work in education when I was Secretary of State for Education. Her drive and energy to campaign for Conservative values led to her establishing Conservative Friends of Neurodiversity. She has been a committed fundraiser, supporter and mentor to many candidates as well as standing herself for election. She has the energy, drive and interpersonal skills to play a huge role in rebuilding our party grassroots to ensure we retain and regain council seats as well as ensuring that we are in Government once again.”
John Strafford, Constitutional Consultant, Conservative Democratic Organisation
“Having discussed at length the issue of Party Reform with Joanna I have no hesitation in recommending her election to be the Chairman of the National Convention. She understands the necessity for reform and I am sure she will take the necessary steps to implement them, thus creating a transparent democratic Conservative Party fit for the 21st century.”
Nick Sturges-Alex, Chair, Northampton South Conservative Association
“I’m delighted to be supporting Joanna Reeves for Chair of the National Conservative Convention. The party needs fresh ideas and Joanna is full of enthusiasm and has the energy, passion, experience and commitment to make the positive change the party needs. Now is not the time for the status quo, it’s time for change, and I firmly believe that Joanna is the person to bring that change to make the Conservative movement credible and electable again.”
Rachel Maclean, former MP for Redditch, former government minister and Conservative Party Deputy Chair for Women
“As a former MP, government minister and Deputy Chair for Women of the Conservative Party, I give my full support to Joanna Reeves for Chair of the National Convention. At this time, the role demands grit, determination, leadership and vision, which I have seen Joanna demonstrate. She will put members at the heart of the rebuilding of the party, in order to take us forward and rebuild to a fighting, and winning force in the future. I know she has the experience and personal skills for the task.”
Lord Horam of Grimsargh, Conservative Peer and former MP and Minister
“I am delighted to endorse Joanna Reeves for the role of Chair of the National Convention. A graduate of St Catharine’s College, Cambridge, I have known Joanna since she become Chair of the St Catharine’s College Alumni Society. In that role she revitalised the Society after the trauma of Covid and went on to organize a brilliant Centenary Anniversary of the Society.During this time, she showed real drive and management skills, as well as an ability to chair meetings and get a result, which the Conservative Party will clearly need if we are restore our fortunes. I am very happy to endorse her.”
Shane Mason, defense and politics analyst
“Joanna Reeves has my utmost support. She and I have engaged in political and party dialogue for the last few years where, as a party member of 15 years, she has demonstrated that she has the passion, drive and objective thinking we so desperately need. I fully endorse Joanna for this very important role!”
Dylan Jeffrey, KCC Chief Whip & Cabinet Member (Comms & DS), Folkestone and Hythe Constituency Agent, Area DCP.
“I believe we need to have change to rejuvenate and enthuse our members and that’s why I was pleased to nominate Joanna for the post. She gets things done with huge bags of energy and smiles with a passion for Conservative values making even the most difficult journey or task an enjoyable one. Joanna has often supported our work in Folkestone and Hythe as well as in many other places on her travels, with campaigning or fundraising, so thank you Joanna and good luck!”
Michael Roberts, SCCAS Hon Sec and vineyard owner
“I have worked with Joanna Reeves on several committees including the St Catharine’s College, Cambridge Alumni Society as Secretary, and with the Holborn & St Pancras C A. I would strongly support her candidature for any post of Chair as she has consistently demonstrated her consummate qualities and the integrity necessary for this crucial role. She shows total commitment combined with extensive knowledge of her subject matter ( though always open to continue learning ) and manages meetings positively while keeping closely to the Agenda. She is flexible and skilful when dealing conflict, unruliness and tangential distractions. She is decisive when appropriate and can delegate effectively. Overall, she has excellent strategic vision and leadership skills with the charm and persuasiveness to motivate and inspire.”
Mike Melling, ex Chair – South Norfolk & Waveney Valley Federation. Member of the United & Cecil Committee
“Joanna Reeves is a highly engaging, driven, inspiring and results focussed association Chair of HSP. Joanna generously contributes much of her available time to this role as well as major fund raising committee roles for the party and charity roles. I enthusiastically support Joanna Reeves bid to chair the National Convention and the critical role of helping reset the party, what we are, who we stand for and putting us back on a winnable path. If elected, I have no doubt Joanna will significantly contribute in leading the National Convention.”
Brian Coleman Former Chair of GLA, political consultant, Commentator and Broadcaster
“A North Londoner with sensible ideas.”
Jenny McCririck, horseracing, countryside and animal welfare
“I know Joanna Reeves has the drive and integrity to speak up for members and Associations – just what the conservative Party needs in 2024 and beyond.”
Lord Rami Ranger CBE, Patron, The Conservative Friends of India
“I am pleased to endorse Joanna for the position of National Convention Chair. I have known Joanna for many years and have witnessed her loyalty and commitment to the Conservative Party. Not only has she volunteered for the party, but she has also made significant contributions as a donor. Joanna has a charming personality and can work with both junior and senior leaders of the Party. She is hardworking and passionate about being an excellent Chair. I wholeheartedly endorse her bid for the leadership, as she is the right candidate for the job.”
Rt Hon Sir Simon Clarke, former Secretary of State for Levelling Up and Chief Secretary to the Treasury
“I got to know Joanna through her work in education when I was Secretary of State for Education. Her drive and energy to campaign for Conservative values led to her establishing Conservative Friends of Neurodiversity. She has been a committed fundraiser, supporter and mentor to many candidates as well as standing herself for election. She has the energy, drive and interpersonal skills to play a huge role in rebuilding our party grassroots to ensure we retain and regain council seats as well as ensuring that we are in Government once again.”
Nickie Aiken, former MP for the Cities of London and Westminster
“Joanna is a tireless campaigner and stalwart of our Party. She works incredibly hard whether fundraising or campaigning for candidates in local, regional and national elections. I have known Joanna for a decade and in all that time she has been a loyal member of the Conservative Party. Her energy and enthusiasm is infectious. She is always prepared to go the extra mile. I believe the skills she has developed in and outside of politics, her knowledge and experience of being a long standing member of the Party and her vision of how we rebuild our Party and ensure members are the heart of that change makes her obvious choice to be the next Chairman of the National Convention.”
Tim Clark, Former Headmaster & Leading Education Consultant
“If we are serious about building a dynamic, credible, and election-winning party with real integrity, then Joanna is a key part of the solution – dedicated, passionate, honest, able and, above all, possessing oodles of common sense and real-life experience.”
Howard Leigh (Lord Leigh of Hurley), Senior Party Treasurer
“Joanna has been a great supporter of our Party for many years both as an activist and donor. She has taken on a very tough association and had great success there. I have been in a number of meetings with her and Tory Ministers where she has asked shrewd and adroit questions which showed her deep understanding of our Party and the challenges and opportunities it faces. She has always remained positive ad cheerful about our prospects which is to be commended! I give her my 100% support.”
Simche Steimberger, Chair, Hackney Federation
“At the count, when all the candidates were standing on the platform, Joanna looked like the Queen of all, and all parties where jealous of us, wondering where we managed to get such a quality candidate from. We looked like the winners, not Labour. Joanna made us proud in Hackney.”
Stephen Peach, Secretary United and Cecil (fundraising club)
“Joanna would be an excellent Chair of the National Conservative Convention and I am very happy to support her. She works hard ,listens , gets things done and is an excellent motivator whilst fun to work with. I am happy to support her.”
Pearce Branigan, Hackney Federation DCP
“During the 2024 General Election, Joanna was an effective campaigner and communicator as the Conservative Party Parliamentary Candidate for Hackney South and Shoreditch. She was skilled at engaging with the issues effecting and priorities of electors in Hackney, demonstrated and astuteness for how national policies within our Party’s manifesto would impact and improve everyday lives for our constituents. Above all, Joanna was a team player and vital component to the Team Hackney political machine. I have no doubt that these competencies, amongst others, make her well placed to perform the requirements of and challenges faced as the Chair of the Convention.”
Richard Molineux, Hon Treasurer HSPCA , Past Chair of the Association of Fundraising Consultants
“I strongly support Joanna Reeves bid to chair the National Convention because:
1. She is an efficient and popular Chair of our Association, the HSP, which is deep in enemy territory and held by “Don’t call me Sir” Keir Starmer. She uses all her experience to be an even-handed, fair-minded, and politically astute Chair. She has both the ability and the energy to contribute massively to rebuilding our Party.
2. She got stuck into campaigning on the doorsteps in all the local and national elections. She experienced first hand how essential it will be for the host of recently lost and inactive Conservative supporters to be re-energised if we are to recover.
We have been badly let down by the top leadership of the Party; so much so that we have experienced an electoral catastrophe.
She sees that CCHQ has to be reorganised, and made capable of providing an exciting vision of what our Party is for. As Chair of the National Convention she will be in a position to help with this essential work. Only then can we reconnect the Party with an active and growing membership.
3. On a personal level Joanna has a deep interest in Education, and she also works tirelessly to improve the way in which people with different mental capabilities are treated. Putting her ideas into action she has created Conservatives Friends of Neurodiversity.
In short, Joanna will bring a breath of fresh air into the Party’s leadership.”
Tim Lord, previous Secretary of the United & Cecil Club and a previous Chairman then President of Windsor Conservatives
“Joanna Reeves is absolutely the right, and best, person for this job – Chair of the National Conservative Convention. She is enthusiastic, has good experience and is hard working. She is a good networker, listener and delivers. I am very happy to support her candidacy.”
Dan Harris, Founder, Neurodiversity in Business
“From extensive consultations, I’ve only ever heard positive things about Joanna. She is imbued with drive and energy with empathy and understanding, which combine to produce inspirational leadership. Joanna founded and chairs Conservative Friends of Neurodiversity because her experience has taught her the importance of wider understanding of neurodivergence. The Party would benefit massively from having her in the crucial position of Chair of the National Convention and I encourage NC members to vote for her.”