| 10-2-1 with Charles Barwell |
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Every
month, City Branch asks leading Birmingham Conservatives 10 frank questions.
In November 2008, we spoke to Charles Barwell (Vice-President of the National Convention of the Conservative Party):
1. Mr Barwell, what do you do in the real world?
I am a private banker with Barclays Wealth in Birmingham.
I’m also on the Board of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, and sing tenor in the Chorus – including at the BBC Proms this year!
2. When did you
first get involved with the Conservative Party?
I joined Edgbaston Young Conservatives shortly after my eighteenth birthday. Good grief, that’s 22 years ago. It feels like yesterday!
3. Why are you
a Conservative?
I’m a Conservative because I believe in freedom and individual liberty. I want to see a light touch government that encourages society to be more socially responsible, and an economy that is dynamic and responsive through entrepreneurialism, and that is not hampered by regulation and high taxes.
4. What is the
best thing about Birmingham?
Birmingham is a city that is at ease with itself, and that surprises visitors when they come here. My family have lived here for almost 300 years; both culturally and in business it’s a great city to call home.
5. What is your
favourite restaurant in the City centre?
Edmunds in Brindley Place.
6. What would
you describe as your worst vice?
Should I admit to one of these? It could be that I take on too many responsibilities and find it a challenge to unwind. My neighbours tell me that its singing loudly when I’m mowing the lawn! My ethical friends tell me that its my preference for foie gras, which you can get from Browns the butcher in Harborne and is so simple to cook, though I recognise if you’re a French duck it’s a pretty nasty life.
7. If you could
have any job in the world what would it be?
Part of me would say Philanthropist. Another part wants to say either Ryder Cup playing golfer or helm of an Americas Cup winning yacht. On occasions I’d quite like to edit the Birmingham Post!.
8. What is your
greatest political success to date?
It’s a toss up between bringing the Party Conference to Birmingham, and being Deirdre Alden’s election Agent when we won the Edgbaston Ward back from Labour.;
9. Who is your
political hero?
Joseph Chamberlain.
10. How would
you describe yourself?
An optimist.
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| Last Updated ( Friday, 21 November 2008 ) |
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