Wednesday 16th May 2012 | 22:40

Graham Brady: 1922 members must pull together in common interest

• 22:40
• 
• • 16/05/12
  • Graham Brady MP,
  • The World Tonight, BBC Radio 4

The chair of the 1922 Committee, Graham Brady, said elections to the backbench group this week were "too factional" and "a little unpleasant", urging memers to "pull together" in the interests of the party.

"I think you have a very mixed and representative outcome. I think that the electioneering that went on in advance of this election was a little bit too factional was at times a little unpleasant and I very much hope that colleagues whatever wing of the party, whatever point on the Conservative spectrum they represent, will see this as an opportunity now to really pull together and work together in the common Conservative interest.

“I think that Conservative colleagues should treat each other with respect. When we disagree we should do so in a civilised way. I hope that those who, from time to time during this contest, perhaps departed from that will reflect on it and realise that it’s much better for all of us if we accord each other respect.

"I don’t for a moment think that the people elected to the executive are going to try to stifle discussion or debate or prevent the Committee from doing their vital function of providing a bridge between the backbenchers and the front. I think we’re going to continue to do that really effectively and that is a positive thing for the whole of the Conservative party.

"I think all colleagues are entitled to express their views. I don’t think colleagues should make personal criticisms, we should respect each other, and I think, generally, criticism is more effective if done in a respectful way."

Hostile

Mr Brady denied that the Committee was "hostile" to the leadership of the party, and insisted its "great strength" was that it reflects all of Conservative opinion.

"The 1922 Committee is not hostile to the leadership; I think this is a great fallacy. The Committee is a representative committee, we are the channel of communication between the backbenchers and the leaders of the party, so we’re exactly as hostile as the party is, or as friendly as the party is. What we seek to do is channel the views and concerns and interests of all colleagues, and a representative spectrum of those views to the leadership of the party.

"What has clearly happened is a very significant shift towards he 2010 intake of Members of Parliament. 11 of the 12 members of the 1922 executive are now from the 2010 intake, we already had five members of the 2010 intake on the 12 strong executive, but obviously that has now become an overwhelming representation for that one intake.

"The great strength of the 1922 Committee is that it is there to represent, reflect, all of Conservative opinion and I think this election has done that."

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