OUCA Termcard Michaelmas 2024

1924-2024

MICHAELMAS TERM 2024

OXFORD UNIVERSITY CONSERVATIVE ASSOCIATION

PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

Dear Member, Firstly, I wish to give you my warmest welcome to the new term and to the new academic year. I hope that all of you had a joyous summer of warmth and relaxation. To freshers, I trust that you are filled with excitement for the journey that you have embarked upon, and that you will jump at every opportunity thrown at you. I also hope that OUCA can play some part in this journey. Whether you just come to Port and Policy, you’re interested in our allstar speaker line-ups (which in recent terms have included Liz Truss and Jeremy Hunt), or want to run in our elections and contribute to the running of our Association, OUCA offers something for everyone.

Our Association was founded one hundred years ago, in response to a disastrous Conservative loss in the 1923 election. OUCA was founded to protect conservative thought at our University, and to help espouse the Conservative message to its students.

In the 100 years following this loss the Conservative party did not fall into obscurity or extinction. Instead the party rallied itself, dusted itself off and gave this country a century of strong conservative leadership and governance – Winston Churchill, Harold Macmillan, Margaret Thatcher. The party cemented itself as the natural party of government once more. I have faith that the current political climate will resolve itself in much the same way, that this loss will merely precipitate another golden century of conservatism.

However, just because our future is bright does not mean that the present must be doom and gloom. As we celebrate the final term of our centenary, prepare for an excellent lineup of speakers – including the Party Chairman and the Chair of the 1922 Committee – who both have insight into the future of our party and the upcoming leadership election.

Furthermore, we have a menagerie of exciting socials ahead: another famed coalition crewdate, mock PMQs with OULD and OULC, and many more. Finally, I hope that some of you will be able to join us as we celebrate our Centenary in style at the House of Lords for our Alumni Centenary Dinner on December 13th – more details (and special guests) to follow!

To a great term ahead!

Matty Vincent Brown, The President, University College

INTRODUCTION TO OUCA OUCA is one of the largest and most renowned student political organisations in the U.K.. Whilst we are constantly engaging with real world politics - through speaker events, CPF and weekly campaigning sessions. However, our scope is not limited to the policy side of things. Our infamous Port & Policy illuminates Oxford’s Sunday nights, and our presence in Oxford’s social scene is second to none.

OUCA is a close community, able to connect people from across the university with an interest in politics and meeting new, interesting people.

We can’t wait to welcome you to Oxford this Michaelmas.

Whether you are a new fresher or wizened third year, OUCA has something to offer to everyone.

Follow us on Instagram, @oxuniconservatives, for event details and more!

PORT & POLICY

CAMPAIGNING Campaigning and political activism are central to OUCA’s purpose. We advocate for the Conservative Party, ideologically and electorally, in Oxford and beyond. We run frequent campaigning sessions with our local associations, and travel to meet up with and assist our fellow Conservatives further afield.

Not only are these trips essential to our cause, but they also make for fantastic days out!

CONSERVATIVE POLICY FORUM The CPF (Conservative Policy Forum) is the Conservative Party's grassroots think-tank. The CPF allows regular members to have their say on important policy issues and to alert party leaders to concerns from the frontline of politics. OUCA’s CPF has a long history; Margaret Thatcher chaired the CPF when she was Secretary of the Association!

Join us bi-weekly for serious debate and discussion about the most pressing policy issues facing our country and party today. (as well as snacks and soft drinks!)

HISTORY 1924-2024

OXFORD UNIVERSITY CONSERVATIVE ASSOCIATION

HISTORY

OUCA began in the aftermath of the 1923 General Election, seeing Stanley Baldwin’s Conservative Party ousted. Disquieted Oxford students then felt the need to coalesce around conservative ideology, and thus OUCA was born. In the 1920s and 30s, OUCA was visited by the likes of Baldwin and Churchill, and in Trinity Term 1937, Edward Heath (Balliol College) served as President, he was later to become Prime Minister.

In 1945, OUCA elected its first President, Rachel Willink (Lady Margaret Hall).

Margaret Roberts (later Thatcher) (Somerville College), was intimately involved with OUCA at this time, helping to draft a report on the future of the Party, and became OUCA President herself in Hilary 1946.

Factionalism emerged in OUCA from the 50s through to the 2000s. In 1951, Julian Critchley and Michael Heseltine (both Pembroke College) founded the Blue-Ribbon Club, as they had failed to win elected positions in OUCA. This group favoured meritocratic conservatism, and became an important voting faction in the Union and OUCA. In 1965, the Oxford University Tory Group was founded, championing One Nation conservatism. The TRG became a great rival of OUCA, then known as the “Magdalen Machine”, with reports of one TRG member being thrown into the Cherwell to prevent him dining in Magdalen Hall.

The 1990s saw a revival of OUCA, with membership growing to 800. OUCA’s politics was Eurosceptic under Daniel Hannan’s 1991 presidency. Port and Policy was inaugurated in 1994, which remains a bastion of OUCA today. In 2007, OUTRG decided to merge with OUCA, believing that OUCA had become “genuinely more liberal”, they ended decades of schism.

Since Lord Hailsham joined the Cabinet in 1967, a past President of OUCA has served in every single Conservative Cabinet. This is testament to our endurance and importance as an organisation and as a place where future Conservative politicians can form their views and hone their political skills, whilst having a good bit of fun in the process!

SPEAKERS SIR JACOB REES-MOGG A former MP renowned for his socially Conservative views, Sir Jacob is an ardent Brexiteer and once chaired the European Research Group. Since leaving Parliament Sir Jacob has provided candid analysis of why the Conservative party suffered such a massive defeat, and how it can win the next election. 18th October

SIR BILL CASH Sir Bill was one of the longest serving MP’s in the previous Parliament, representing Staffordshire since the days of Thatcher. As an MP he chaired numerous committees and was Shadow Attorney General.

A career Brexiteer, he played a leading role in 23rd the Maastricht Rebellion. Any Brexiteer is October bound to put this one top of their calendar.

BOB BLACKMAN CBE MP Chairman of the famed 1922 Committee, Bob Blackman CBE MP, is sure to be able to tell us exactly what the Parliamentary Party is thinking. An MP since 2010 he is currently chair of the Backbench Business 25th Committee, this isn’t one to miss for October anyone interested in economics

SPEAKERS ALEX CHALK KC Former Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Alex Chalk KC is learned in both politics and the law. His extensive knowledge of the intersection between law and politics is 31st bound to provide fascinating insight into the October biggest issues facing Britain today.

RICHARD FULLER CBE MP The Current Chairman of the Party, Ex-OUCA President, Harvard MBA, management consultant, Ex-National Chairman of the Young Conservatives, MP since 2010, and Ex-Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Richard Fuller CBE MP really has done it all. Whether you’re interested in 7th politics or business this is one to mark in the November calendar.

MIKE FREER

A minister under four Prime Ministers, his long ministerial career should be of interest to all. After an arson-attack on his constituency office, Freer announced that he was standing 14th down as an MP. He is bound to have much November to say on the dangers of politics, and what we can do to make our communities safer.

JONATHAN AITKEN

An MP (1972-1997) turned perjurer and prisoner. In 2018 Rvd Aitken was ordained as an Anglican priest and is now chaplain of HMP Pentonville. His political experience lead him to meet JFK, Nixon, Churchill, Macmillan, and many more. His address will combine 21st anecdotes from his long and varied political career with a discussion on prison reform - one of the hottest issues November of the current political climate.

SOCIALS FRESHERS DRINKS Week 1

Allow us to welcome you back to Oxford with our Freshers' Drinks. We will begin Michaelmas as we mean to go on! We hope to see faces new and old during an evening of refreshment betwixt OUCA's merry and convivial atmosphere!

PUB QUIZ Week 2

Put your general knowledge to the test in one of Oxford's historic pubs.

Let's see if OUCA members can do the greatest University in the world justice - even when mildly intoxicated!

WINE, CHEESE, AND POKER Week 3

With term well and truly under way, how better to spend an evening than in black-tie with life's three greatest gifts!

Keep an eye on our social media for dates!

SOCIALS CREWDATE Week 4

Join us in the age-old Oxford traditions of sconces and pennies as OUCA crosses paths with Oxford's other political associations in an evening of friendly frivolity!

COALITION OXMAS SOCIAL Week 6

As Lord Salisbury joined forces with Joe Chamberlain, let Tory and Liberal mingle in the spirit of Oxmas to make new friends over the greatest festive refreshments!

Plus an

EMERGENCY BAR CRAWL...

Week 5

An entirely unplanned quest through the public houses of Oxford awaits those who participate in this fine example of direct democracy in action!

KARAOKE Week 7

Ever wondered which committee member has the best voice? Find out or perhaps challenge for the title at one of Oxford's finest karaoke venues!

PMQS

Week 4

With Oxford Uni Labour and Liberal Democrats Let’s prove ourselves as the strongest might in the chamber in this term’s mock PMQs! Come along to see us represent the various departments of state and throw our best questions and rebukes against the new “PM” in charge. Make sure to put your own questions to our “ministers” too!

SPECIAL EVENTS TERMLY DINNER

CENTENARY HOUSE OF LORDS ALUMNI DINNER 13th December

COMMITTEE Matty Brown

President

Presidentelect

Treasurer Mitchell Palmer

Jennifer Holly

Treasurerelect Joseph Kay

Secretary

Silvia Andreoletti

Political Officer

Michael Leslie

COMMITTEE Social Secretary

Communications Director

Returning Officer

Edmund Smith

Elias Bazard

Syd Li

Publications Editor

George Kenrick

Chief of Staff

Deputy Whip

Committee Member

Matthew Benson Samuel Turkington

Welfare Officer

Thomas Crossley

John Frame

Women’s Officer

Priya Mahan

Whip

William Gough

HOW TO GET INVOLVED We want to welcome as many people as possible to OUCA, whether just for the speakers and socials, Port and Policy, or more. We encourage you to get involved in the following ways: 1. Members can run for election in the 7th week of term in the hope of taking up one of our elected positions. These include six committee members, the Junior Officers (Social Secretary, Communications Director, Publications Editor, and Whip), the Senior Officers (Treasurer, Treasurer-elect, Secretary, and Political Officer), the President, and the President-elect. Running in our elections is a great way to make lasting friendships and help the conservative cause at Oxford!

2. These elections would not be possible without the fantastic work of the Deputy Returning Officers who make sure OUCA elections run as smoothly and fairly as possible. Please contact returningofficer@ouconservatives.co.uk before Week 3 to put your name forward for this.

3. Members can put themselves forward for the position of Welfare Officer or Women’s Officer. These roles are vital for the wellbeing and safety of our members. Please contact returningofficer@ouconservatives.co.uk to put your name forward.

If you’d like to know more about any of these roles, or have any questions at all, please email president@ouconservatives.co.uk or message our Instagram: @oxuniconservatives!

POINTS REQUIREMENTS President-elect

SO

JO

Committee

Socials

30

25

20

10

Speakers

30

25

20

10

Campaigning

25

25

20

5

Social Action

15

15

10

5

Publications

20

10

10

5

Other

30

20

10

5

Total

150

120

90

40

Points Rules Campaigning: 5 points per half day; 10 points for a full day or an away day, at the discretion of the President.

Speakers and Socials: 5 points per event.

Social Action: 5 points per voluntary activity approved by the Political Officer, to whom you must send evidence.

Publications: 5 points per 500+ words, 10 points for 1000+ words. The article must be the original and sole work of the candidate. Articles deemed worthy to be included in our termly magazine, Blueprint, shall be awarded an additional 5 points.

Port and Policy: 2 points Council: 1 point If there is a sign-down sheet available, you must sign down to receive points.

1924-2024