Holiday Spirit, Policy Discussions, and the Next Prime Minister? [17th January 2008]

[17th January 2008]

This is a report written by Cheryl Stevens, intern to Lord Taylor, about the Policy Exchange Reception.

The reception took place on December 3rd at 6pm. The venue was the Museum of Garden History. It was sponsored by think tank group Policy Exchange. The guest speaker was David Cameron, Conservative Party Leader. I attended with fellow intern, Edwin Bello.

After some introductory speeches, David Cameron arrived at the podium. He discussed that now is a turning point in the history of the UK. Mr. Cameron explained the UK is beginning to head towards the centre-right. He said that it is important for think tanks like Policy Exchange at this time to make their voices heard to the public. Since there are two years until the next election, now is the perfect time to be proactive.

After Mr. Cameron exited the stage, I was so excited for him to even pass by us. He stopped to shake a few hands from young employees at the front. I saw that one of them actually got their photo taken with him. I thought to myself, “Well if he can do that, then I guess I can too!” As David Cameron made his way through the crowd I went up to him. Nervously I asked, “Can I take a photo with you?” His assistants were urging him to leave for his next engagement but he was kind enough to stop for a quick photo. This moment was the highlight of the night! See attached photograph.

We met a news reporter for the Sunday Times, Abul Taher. He immediately asked us about our opinions on some current events at the time. He then asked us many questions about Lord Taylor. We discussed the Warwick Leadership Foundation and he was very keen on knowing more.

If I could make any changes to this event, there would be one difference. I would not have displayed the exhibits the way they were. It would have been more efficient if there was a designated area for people to view them. As they were spread all about the venue, it made space a large problem. It was difficult to fit the amount of people that attended. Many of the spotlights on the floor were knocked over due to people trying to pass through the crowds.

The Policy Exchange reception was a great experience! I enjoyed every moment of it. I hope to attend an event sponsored by this think tank group again.