EFDD Reception. Henry makes his mark. UKIP ready for the future!
I am not sure why I was invited to an event by the EFDD but given the star attraction was billed as one “Nigel Farage” I could not resist. I did not know what to expect and had to hurry there straight from another meeting. Canapés are not really my thing and small talk is not either. I certainly do not belong to the chattering classes.
I soon ascertained the contents of the canapés were not to my taste but I sampled the cheese and moist rye crackers with the odd grape or two. I planted myself at a table in the centre of the room and found myself surrounded by an interesting collection of people which included people who had stood for UKIP in elections.
The wine was rather slow to arrive and I did not want to leave my briefcase unattended. Eventually, though, a young Mexican waiter appeared at the table and I used up my entire Spanish vocabulary on him (all eight words). I even understood his response. From then on I had only to rest my glass on the table and a bottle appeared to refill it. The group grew bigger. The periodic visits from a cheery man from Northern Ireland and his reassuring bear hugs proved most reassuring.
The organisers had asked us not to photograph and I obliged but it soon became apparent that the world and his dog were taking pictures. Towards the end I captured some interesting snaps.
The Groups Represented
An introduction was made in which we were told this was a get together of various parties with sympathetic aims. These groups included the “Bruges Group”. One of their number was in the group around me.
The talk around my table was that Nigel Farage would not appear. He was, as we spoke, appearing on LBC. They were proved wrong. Nigel did appear. He apologised that he was suffering from a bug that is going round and kept his speech short. He said nothing we have not heard before but nevertheless his words were inspirational and drew a good round of applause.
Henry Bolton Arrives
UKIP’s new leader
Almost unnoticed the unassuming figure of Henry Bolton had, meanwhile, appeared. He was seen engaging in conversation in various groups around the room. He spent quite a time with a group of Young Independence members. I shared a brief joke with him about the “competition” (Nigel). He seemed well at ease with the jest.
Later I was able to snatch a few words with Henry on some of the serious issues we face. I am not going to quote private conversations. It would be improper. I prefer to reflect on the general tenor of the conversations and the impressions they created. In this case I saw an incisive and enquiring mind at work. This was a man who listened, considered and responded. There was a two way conversation with each of those that contributed. Here was a man collecting views and building a picture.
His style is totally different to Nigel’s and it is difficult to explain how. Like Nigel he is not afraid to tell it “as it is”. When he speaks it is after due consideration and you have the feeling he is not hiding behind clever words. There is no pretence here. He will not attempt to flatter you or pretend he remembers you when clearly he could not. In a different way to Nigel he is a breath of fresh air. When we discussed his appearance on BBC Question Time he was at pains not to assume credit he felt he did not deserve. This is a modest man who I feel is honest.
The Right Man for the Moment
Henry Anticipates Victory
Nigel Farage was the right man for his time. He has stepped aside. Henry Bolton is a different type of leader altogether. My view, having now observed him at close quarters, is that he is the right man for this moment in UKIP’s history.
As the meeting progressed it seemed everyone wanted to buttonhole Henry and to be photographed with him. Two artists had constructed a collage derived from comments made by those who had attended and this provides an excellent backdrop for some of those pictures.
UKIP’s Future
UKIP needs to build its soul. That means a philosophy, ethics and policy package. The job UKIP is going to face is dealing with the fallout arising from the incompetence of the Establishment over our exit from the EU. UKIP will need a carefully considered package of proposals to deal with every aspect of the government of our society and the repairs necessary due to those inept negotiations.
I kept my counsel for a while. I wanted to see how the man performed. Like most of us I was prepared to give him time. I have had a unique opportunity to witness him in action. I liked what I saw. I believe Henry Bolton is going to prove the man of the moment. UKIPpers should not hesitate to give him their full support. If you have the chance to hear him speak or put questions to him then I urge you to take the opportunity.
Would of liked more commentary about the event that ALL present were specifically invited to….Hey HO…..I guess
You were there Nicole. The organisers made it plain its purpose was not to campaign and so the only kind of report appropriate was an impression… of the participants. I tried to give a flavour without venturing into areas of policy that may have been discussed by individuals. They were, after all, private conversations.
The moment was 2 months ago after he was elected. Now we are going into the holidays, the first 100 days are gone. he didn’t build any momentum. Nobody knows what he believes in, he seems to have no radical beliefs at all. He should be chairman, Farage leader and Raheem deputy. He did manage to make clear he doesn’t like Trump which is insane, Trump and his movement are UKIP’s natural allies. Frankly, I think Henry is a decent, competent guy but isn’t actually a kipper at heart and has no passion. Soul isn’t a word you could use in his context.
You can please all of the people, some of the time. You can please some of the people all of the time. You cannot please all of the people all of the time. Some people, clearly, will never be satisfied.
Spot on from Holland. I am a rather housebound UKIP member, and can only form my opinions by what comes to me via TV and Radio. I did not vote for Henry Bolton as leader, but that was due to only the scant write-up of the candidates. Henry won the election, and therefore is my Party’s leader, and I am therefore in support of him.
So far as it is of interest, I can see Henry as a British Army ‘Rupert’ with a reasonable wide knowledge of most things, and the only ‘Could do better’ that I would put forward, is that he needs to build a bit of charisma to his personality, but otherwise, he is fine by me.
If we discount interim leaders, and the leader of only a matter of hours, then Henry is taking on from Nigel Farage. This is a big shadow to fill for Henry, or for anyone. Nigel has made up his mind, as far as I can see, to have his brake from the Party, whilst keeping his interest. He had an easy, natural way before a camera, and seemed to be relaxed with audiences, and it is in that way that Henry needs to adopt any change.
No, as I clearly said, if HB was party chairman, Nigel leader and Raheem deputy then I would be satisfied.
Nothing new to be leaned from Holand’s input. but Thanks anyway.
What I have seen of Henry Bolton is fine by me. He is a British Army ‘Rupert’ with an area of knowledge ahead of most. I wish he would work on his charisma factor, but then anyone taking over from Nigel Farage would have a job to do in that area !
Once again, I think Mr Holland’s presentation of his thoughts regarding the EFDD reception & Henry Bolton were straightforward & honest. His assessment of Bolton’s task was fair & although it’s early days, he clearly saw that this Man has all the necessary qualifications, even though he may not have Nigel’s charisma & he should therefore be given every opportunity to “grow” into his role as leader of UKIP & be given unreserved support from the UKIP membership.