This week as many of you may already know, Former Birmingham University Conservative Future President Dan O Doherty was expelled from the Conservative Party for allegedly wearing a Hitler moustache to a fancy dress party- and then posting a picture of said incident on Facebook. Right, so that's the gist of what's happened- but let's take a moment to analyse the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident.

Comments on the article posted on Conservative Home yesterday decried the CF 'Thought Police' while Party Officials are said to have contacted Mr. Doherty to criticize his actions and expel him from the party. That won't be the end of Dan, however. We all know Matt Lewis, of Maddygate fame is said to be active once again in the Conservative Party- for shame I say, but not for the shame of the action, more the shame of the lack of judgement of the individual.

Perhaps one might have felt that no longer being in an executive position within BUCF, he could get away with doing these things? Perhaps it was an alcohol-fuelled student error, which is not a strange thing to happen in an organisation with an average age of 18. True or false, when you're in these societies, in these positions and representing and national political party (on any scale) you need to watch it. WATCH IT. Let it be a message to the lot of us.

Quoted as saying, "I don't hate everyone, I just hate women" and known for once defending Enoch Powell's, "Rivers of Blood," speech and then later seeming to backtrack on his endorsement, Mr. Doherty is not a malicious or racist individual, but one perhaps lacking the media savvy and what one might call Diplomacy 2.0 skills.

So once again, Conservative Future is learning lessons- as if the organisation wasn't without it's problems before. KeepRightOnline suggests that right now is the time for strong leadership for CF, and for decisive action to be taken in asking the members if they really have what it takes to represent the Conservative Party proper (this is no reflection on Mr. Doherty). Perhaps some are looking for a title, some are looking for networking or drinking buddies, most of us however, are in it for the good. The good of the party, good of our communities and the good of the country.

Let's KeepRight, people.

Update 26/05/09: Daniel O'Doherty has since commented that the statements made on his Facebook profile, specifically those regarding the hatred of women were in fact satirical and taken from a television show, whilst other quotes in the same vein were friend's quotes, listed in a tongue-in-cheek manner. This blog has, since the original story broke- maintained confidence in Mr. O'Doherty.

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="200" caption="BUCF's Iron Lady"][/caption]
KeepRightOnline congratulates new Birmingham University Conservative Future President Sahar Rezazadeh, and her incoming committee on their election victory last night. The motions were passed unanimously, with excellent speeches from all candidates, and a moving resignation speech from outgoing President Dan O'Doherty.

Full results to come.

On Monday the 4th May, Birmingham University Conservative Future will vote on a new President. Today, KeepRightOnline got the exclusive opportunity to interview Presidential candidate Sahar Rezazadeh, better known to the blogosphere as Sassy Conservative. We ask the big questions, but does she give the right answers? The members of BUCF will decide on Monday, but what do you think of this passionate young lady?

Thanks for the exclusive Sahar, or should I say, Sassy? Tell us about the name. Why 'Sassy Conservative'?
Haha, either is fine! When I was deciding on a blog name, I was looking for two words that are truly reflective of my character- it wasn't an independent decision, with friends and relatives helping out in the process! The most interesting and frequent word that came up in describing me was 'sassy', you know... bubbly, lively and trendy. I think the Conservative part is self explanatory- I'm a conservative not just politically and economically but also socially.

Those who read your blog will know you're well involved in the political scene in Birmingham already- tell us about your work with CF, the transport project and the focus of your blog?
Well, I'm currently serving as BUCF's Social Action Officer- my heart is in grass roots politics. Supporting those who are better off supported by the community rather than big government. This represents the political conservative in me. It's like late last year, when I first heard about the nationwide Christmas Hamper Project. We raised funds by caroling & kind donations, then made hampers for St. Basil's who support homeless young people. I visited various hostels to deliver the hampers and those working there said how even St. Basil's was sometimes constrained by the bureaucracy in it's centralisation, so some people still don't get the help they need- they were really grateful.

My first engagement with the community was through the Youth Parliament- I've long championed youth issues, locally, regionally, nationally and even internationally! The transport project created a dialogue between transport decision makers and young people. One of my colleagues who was chairing the project initiated it- mainly as result of anger of rise in costs. Our recent conference was about transport in Birmingham in general, I love this city and I genuinely feel that we need to improve the transport infrastructure in order to compete on an international scale. Birmingham needs to stay world-class.

Pretty sound, Sassy, but what sets you apart as a Presidential candidate? Aren't you too busy?
Actually the demand on me from the projects I've been working on is easing now. I wouldn't run for President if I couldn't commit fully to a whole term. I think I'm best placed for the position not just because of the skills I've developed through actively engaging with community, but also because I take initiative. I don't let go of projects half way through. I really want to empower BUCF members to be more active and involved. Too many people are fair-weather Conservatives, it's about time we separated the men from the boys and the ladies from the girls!

KeepRightOnline agrees with you on that last point especially, Sahar. Tell us, if you could change one thing about Conservative Future, what would it be?
Well it's been addressed before but I think there's a lot of work left to do in making CF more localised and less London-centric. There are potentially thousands of new CF members waiting out there, but we have a history of being so London focused that we're missing out on these young Conservatives. Young people should be able to find a CF branch easily- and feel empowered by it!

So what are your politics? Sum it up for our readers in... oh I don't know... five words?
Hmmm... these types of questions can be tricky.

That's more than five words.
Haha, hey! Ok... well... compassionate, neo-conservative, libertarian, capitalist... Sassy!

And your politician of choice would be?
Well right now no one can touch Daniel Hannan... I can't get enough of his European Parliament speeches! Great remix, by the way! I'm actually flattered by often being compared to Lady Thatcher. Iain Dale once remarked upon that! She's such an inspiration to me. Despite all the obstacles her achievements incredible... and I like to think we have a similar taste in handbags! Ron Paul also (not so much with the handbags). I like his ideas about government. Good things come in small packages.

And you're proof of that, Sassy! Thanks once again for taking the time to describe yourself to our readers. If I could ask you one last thing... What would you say is your favourite right of centre blog?
Haha, there are many which have contributed so much, but I'm particularly excited about KeepRightOnline!

We're excited about you too!



Sahar Rezazadeh is standing for the position of BUCF President on Monday, 4th May. KeepRightOnline will bring you the results as they happen!