MEDIA RELEASE 12.08.2024: THE APPOINTMENT OF FREDDIE DOWNING, OUR NEW DEPUTY CHAIRMAN
We are delighted to announce that Freddie Downing has been appointed as the Deputy Chairman of the LGBT+ Conservatives. This position has been vacant.
Former Conservative Party parliamentary candidate for Poplar and Limehouse, and former Conservative London Assembly candidate for City and East, Freddie Downing is a Chartered Accountant and Tax Advisor. Freddie is a highly respected campaigner with a growing reputation in the Conservative Party.
In a statement sent to members today, Chairman of the LGBT+ Conservatives Luke Robert Black welcomed Freddie to his new post:
"In a short space of time, Freddie has shown himself to be not just a talented and effective campaigner, helping to coordinate a snap election campaign within just two weeks of joining, but also a fantastic member of the Executive. He has represented the organisation on several occasions to important stakeholders and showcased himself to be exactly what this organisation needs. Appointing Freddie is, therefore, a no-brainer, and I can't think of someone more hard working, more approachable and more dedicated than him to take on this additional responsibility.
Freddie is well-rounded, modest and highly organised. He helped us to play an extremely active role in the election and thus elevate the organisation's profile in the party. He helped energise campaigners and assist in several successful Conservative wins in a difficult election. There's no task beneath him and he is happy to work hard to achieve results. Freddie is also a strong Conservative voice on LGBT+ issues, with media experience and has built a strong network in both the Parliamentary and voluntary party. He will be in post until our delayed AGM later this year.
Earlier in the year, in line with our constitution, we postponed our AGM due to the General Election, and we will announce a date to hold this after Conference and the Leadership Election have concluded. There is plenty to organise between now and then, especially for Conference, so I want to make sure this transition into Opposition is as smooth as possible.
I'd like you all to join me in congratulating Freddie Downing on his new role as the Deputy Chairman of the LGBT+ Conservatives".
Responding to the appointment, new Deputy Chairman Freddie Downing responded by saying: "When Luke kindly asked me to come onboard as Vice Chair for Campaigning back in May, neither of us had any idea the General Election would be called only a couple of weeks later. Whilst we certainly didn’t get the result we wanted on 4th July, losing many great MPs, including some of our wonderful Patrons, I loved getting out there with other members of the LGBT+ Cons to support our Parliamentary candidates.
Our activity during the campaign really underlined the important work we do as an organisation. As we move into another exciting period, selecting our next leader and rebuilding the Conservatives as a party of government, I’m delighted to take on the role of Deputy Chairman of our brilliant organisation.
I’m looking forward to working with Luke, our exec council, our members and our party to take the fight to Labour and win in 2029".
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