The Internet never forgets, I know this more than most. It is good practice to keep this in mind whenever you’re launching something – be it a new product, a come-back single, an App, or candidature for a parliamentary career.
Last night, at a suspiciously late hour, the Conservatives chose Jackie Whiteley as their candidate for the forthcoming Bradford West by-election. Two years ago, Ms Whiteley became their spokesman for Rotherham.
“It is a real privilege to be the Parliamentary Spokesman for Rotherham. Having previously campaigned in the seat at the general election and as the owner of a small business, I have got a real understanding of the issues and concerns of Rotherham’s residents and local businesses. I will continue to campaign passionately for jobs, investment and a brighter future for the community.”
Ms Whiteley is quoted from last night saying:
“It is a great honour and extremely exciting to be the Conservative candidate for Bradford West. As the owner of a small business and local employer, I have got a real understanding of the issues and concerns of Bradford’s residents and local businesses. I will continue to campaign passionately for jobs, investment and a brighter future for the local community.”
Memo to Conservative candidate HQ – or to any Party for that matter. The Internet remembers. It holds on to facts, faces, quotes and scandals. It also remembers that a candidate sincere about Rotherham can be sincere about Bradford. If you wanted Jackie Whiteley to be passionate about jobs, investment and a brighter future, you have succeeded only in making her sound computer generated and insincere.