Parker-George Media©
Interview with Christian May
By Steve George
Following a manic day at the office I dropped by Henry's, Mayfair to for drinks with Exeter CF chairman Christian May. Since the Smith-George administration in 05-06, Exeter CF and slowly been rebuilt, with credibility restored and a thriving membership. The toughest task is to succeed in continuing growth whilst broadening membership and reaching out to a much more diverse selection of the student community. This challenge is one few could meet however; senior figures from the previous administration had spotted May even before he began gearing up for getting into the Exeter branch.
Taking charge of such a large society and dealing with string criticism and smear from ‘the left’ is often a thankless task. Given this fact, selecting a strong chairman is an essential measure- they have to be as hard as a rock but sharp as knife. In recent months, few can argue that Exeter CF has taken huge steps forward with a much broader membership and, moreover, one riddled with enthusiasm for success on a local and national scale. It was pleasing to see the transformation had happened so quickly- with the pretentious ‘hangers on’ who talked so much but delivered nothing, stood for nothing, now sidelined -even at the black tie ball. The doers are now at the forefront of the society and it looks like it will stay that way.
May’s ambition is underpinned by a solid commitment and strong work ethic. When not directing plays or leading the Exeter CF he can be found working for the family business and gaining valuable experience. “My parents taught me the value of hard work” he says. “I spent much of my summer holidays working hard and learning about the challenges of the real world”. Indeed, this work ethic has been key to his success at the Exeter CF.
Clearly, the heavy burden of Labour’s taxation and regulation is something that May finds particularly dislikeable. “Thousands of family businesses have been destroyed by Labour’s taxes. Never has a government taxed so much and delivered so little”. Indeed, the taxes currently used to plunder our pockets hit some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in society. “Labour is the party of regulation, they don’t believe in individual freedom or enterprise, they think that the state should tell people how to live their lives”. The Ineffectiveness, and the sheer incompetence of this government is all at the expense of the hard pressed British taxpayer.
May has much praise for the new Conservative leader; “Cameron would make a refreshing change to the way in which the country is run - an end to top down target setting and a restoration of trust in people to look after themselves, with the state as a servant not a master.” Clearly the Cameron agenda is one that is still considered to of the agenda at the Exeter CF as it was under the previous administration.
I asked him what he thought of Gordon Brown “A charlatan”. “Obsessed by regulation and control” he added. One can only cringe every time they hear Brown talking about helping society, coming from the man that single-handedly destroyed the pension funds, robbing thousands of people of their life savings.
I noted how well Brown has been doing in the polls “The Brown Bounce was inevitable, wasn't it? I mean, after 10 years of Blair who wouldn't be a breath of fresh air? What we must remember of course, and what the country must be reminded, is that Brown has been No. 2 in this government for TEN YEARS, and any problem he claims to have the answer to is in large part down to his fiscal incompetence and infamously difficult management style. No matter how many times he says the word "change" we must never forget we want really to change from – Labour” says May.
Clearly, May has built strong relationships with other political big beasts inside the party. “James Breffit and I sat down in a coffee shop in Exeter nearly 18 months ago and we formulated a program of massive change within Exeter CF. Without James' staunch support, unwavering commitment and sound political advice there is no way that Exeter CF would be what it is today. I have no doubt that throughout my career, whatever it may be, James will remain a true and trusted friend and ally.”
In conclusion I asked him about where he thought the part was going. “Cameron's Conservatives stand for common sense, trust in people and a release from state regulation. It is these ideologies which must be promoted now, and the sooner the Norman Tebbits of this world shut up, the better.”
After finishing his degree, May intends to begin a career in London. From his current track record as a man of strength and integrity who delivers first class results without fail, one can see that he will prosper in working life and will make a huge contribution to the Conservative party.
It was indeed an excellent interview, so as a treat, afterwards I took him to Spearmint.
SWG
