Bright Blue (organisation)
| Formation | 2010 |
|---|---|
| Type | Think tank |
| Location |
|
| Website | http://brightblue.org.uk/ |
Bright Blue is an independent liberal conservative think tank and pressure group in the United Kingdom. The Independent newspaper has described the organisation as "a modernising pressure group regarded as David Cameron's natural ally."[1]
Research
Bright Blue advocates liberal conservatism through research papers, books, a regular magazine and discussion events. Its work is based around three major themes: individual power and potential; security and prosperity in the globalised world; and the future of conservatism. The think tank has produced recent research reports on welfare, poverty, immigration and the environment.
Its first publication was 'Tory Modernisation 2.0', published in 2013.[2] Tory Modernisation 2.0 is described as recommending "policies and a vision that the Conservative Party should adopt to improve society and the economy, and win in 2015 and beyond."[3] This book contains contributions from conservative intellectuals and members of parliament,[4] including Matthew d'Ancona, the Rt Hon Francis Maude MP, and the Rt Hon David Willetts MP.
In April 2014 Bright Blue published its second book, The Modernisers’ Manifesto. The book outlined how the Conservative Party can demonstrate credibility and fresh ideas to convince the electorate that they need a second term in government to make Britain a fairer nation with a stronger economy and high-quality public services.[5] The book contained contributions from a range of high-profile opinion formers and policy makers such as the Rt Hon Dr Liam Fox MP, the Rt Hon Andrew Mitchell MP, Zac Goldsmith MP, Laura Sandys MP, Nick Hurd MP, George Freeman MP, Isabel Hardman, Matthew Parris and Ian Birrell.[6]
Governance
The Founder and Chief Executive of Bright Blue, Ryan Shorthouse, appears regularly in the media as a political commentator and policy analyst.[7]
The Board of Directors includes Matthew d'Ancona and Rachel Johnson.
The co-Presidents of Bright Blue are the Rt Hon Nicky Morgan MP and the Rt Hon David Willetts. Other members include the Rt Hon Lord Francis Maude MP, Nick Boles MP, Matthew Parris, Ian Birrell and Lord Andrew Cooper.[8]
References
- ↑ Andrew Grice (2013-01-10). "Exclusive: Revealed - Tory plan for firms to run schools for profit". The Independent. Retrieved 2014-03-02.
- ↑ Scruton, Roger. "Postmodern Tories". Prospect (magazine). Retrieved 2014-03-02.
- ↑ "Bright Blue Book". Brightblue.org.uk. Retrieved 2014-03-02.
- ↑ http://brightblue.org.uk/bbtory20.pdf
- ↑ "Publications". Brightblue.org.uk. Retrieved 2014-07-03.
- ↑ http://brightblue.org.uk/bbmanifesto.pdf
- ↑ Toby Helm. "'We must not pander to Ukip': moderate Tories challenge the party's drift to right". The Observer. Retrieved 2014-03-02.
- ↑ "Advisory Board". Brightblue.org.uk. Retrieved 2014-03-02.
