Julie Simpole-Clarke has been elected as South Cambridgeshire Conservative Association’s new Deputy Chairman for Membership.  She follows on in this honorary position from Sonia Sperling, who led the Committee previously and always had valid points to make at every committee meeting.

“I have,” says Julie, “been a Conservative (with a capital ‘C’! ) since my early twenties.  After Quentin Davies defected to the Labour in 2007, I worked with Stamford and Grantham Association in their Business Group and to help elect Nick Boles to Westminster in the 2010 general election.

“I’ve served on the Cambridge City Executive. and I was ward candidate for Trumpington in 2010 – not an easy seat to do well in!”

In addition to her new Membership role, Julie also leads the Business Group for the Federation of the three Associations based in Hardwick (South, South East and City).  “Our plan is to broaden the membership so Cambridgeshire has real clout at Westminster and with local government,” she says.

Julie is a Lincolnshire Farmer's daughter and very proud of her country roots.  “After I left College in the 1980s, I worked as a trader on the money markets in the City.  During this period I was an activist in my constituency of Kensington and Chelsea and helped with Michael Portillo's election campaign.

“After leaving the City, I established a food business which included a retail outlet in Stamford, ran the concession at Burghley House and provided editorial and media support for Rosemary Conley, Delia Smith, Nigella Lawson, Nigel Slater and many household names.  Some recent projects include media concept development for Celebrity Master Chef, The Bubble and Hat Trick Productions.”

Julie is a single Mum, now living  in Cambridge.  Her daughter is reading Chemistry at Bristol University and coxes for the University, having coxed for Cantabs when she was at school at the Perse Girls.

“We’ve a tough time ahead and the Coalition is having to make some difficult and unpopular decisions to put right the terrible mess we inherited from Gordon Brown,” says Julie.

“Making sure that we recruit and retain members will be a crucial task for the Association over the coming years.  I want to bring my energy and experience with people to ensure this happens.

“I know I can count on the support of each and every member of the Association to help with this incredibly important task.”