Thursday, 28th January 2010

Dear candidates,

In preparation for the general election, which looks more likely than ever as being on 6th May, the West Midlands Regional Committee has organised a training day for prospective parliamentary candidates and their election agents (or alternatively, branch treasurers). This is an excellent opportunity for candidates in the region to learn what is involved and necessary in the process of standing for election, including coverage of the new Political Parties and Elections Act (2009). The Venue and getting there.

It will take place on Saturday 6th February, between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm (approximately – it may overrun) at The Priory Rooms in Bull St., central Birmingham.  This is the website of the centre :- http://www.theprioryrooms.co.uk/

Car parking is available in either Snow Hill rail station car park, or the NCP car park of the Thistle Hotel, St. Chad’s Queensway, Birmingham B4 6HY. Alternatively, Birmingham New St. station is very close by – about 7 minutes walk. The map below shows the location of the Priory Rooms on Bull Street (orange arrow - the entrance is opposite Paddy Power bookmakers). Full details of the location and access are attached to this e-mail.

Candidates choosing the Park and Ride from The Hawthorns may wish to know that West Bromwich Albion are away on this date.

 The Presenters.

UKIP’s former Director of Campaigns, Stephen Allison, will be the main presenter on the day, and he gave a superb presentation in the afternoon before the last party conference in Southport. He normally covers topics including:  the election timetable, producing an election address, the campaign plan and a question and answer session.

In addition, I have invited representatives from the Electoral Commission, who will explain responsibilities and legal compliance, and Royal Mail, who will discuss the election address process.

At this time, the agenda is being finalised due a change in arrangements by the external agencies, but it will be sent out to candidates very shortly.

Further information.

Please assemble at the centre at 9:45 am, for the 10:00 am start of the day. The first session will be followed by a break for tea / coffee, and the second session will take us to a lunch break of 45 minutes. Please note that food brought from outside the Priory Rooms may not be consumed on the premises. Also, that alcohol is not allowed on the premises.

It is planned that the afternoon session will be limited to 2 hours maximum and include a Question and Answer session and general discussion.  Stephen usually presents from slides projected on a screen, copies of which may be available after the presentation.

Cost. As you will be aware, there are considerable costs associated with this important day. Therefore, the West Midlands Regional Committee decided that a charge of £10.00 per person was reasonable and fair for anyone attending this day. Please bring this preferably in the form of cash, on the day.

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