Tories, Jihadi Brides, Harrods, Exclusion Bullying and Battle Buses. A quick breakdown of the political thriller, The Missing Activist
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What is CCHQ?
CCHQ is the headquarters of the British Conservative Party. It houses central staff and committee members and maintains overall responsibility for targeting voters and seats. In addition, it short lists and finalises the selection of Tory candidates across the United Kingdom for both local and national elections. CCHQ operates a phone bank for volunteers like Robin Miller, and features in The Missing Activist.
A Luxury Department Store
Key Fact 2. Harrods is a luxury department store in Knightsbridge, London. It is where Karen Andersen’s nemesis Zinah al-Rashid meets her first Jihadi bride recruit in The Missing Activist. Charles Harrod began the world famous shop as a one-room outlet in 1849. But today Harrods houses 330. The State of Qatar owns it.
British Born Isis Brides
Fast Fact 3 is Isis brides. In The Missing Activist, PI Karen Andersen goes undercover to learn why so many British girls have made the journey to Syria to marry Jihadi fighters. Studies by RUSI suggest the draws are many. They include a rejection of Western feminism, peer influence, female romantic optimism and the chance to be part of something new, exciting and illicit.
A touring centre of operations
A major incident in The Missing Activist occurs in one. This is the name given to a coach or vehicle used as both a method of transport and also a center of operations during a political campaign. In 2017 a scandal threatened to overturn the government and stop Brexit. A busload of Tory activists toured around the country. However, the party did not declare costs in their budget.
Who are the Kurdaitcha?
Kurdaitcha (or kurdaitcha man) is a ritual ‘executioner’ in Aboriginal culture who ‘points the bone at a victim to expel them from their community. If this happens, no one can contact or mix with them. Victims usually die a self-imposed death in days. In Australia, the practice is still common enough that they train hospital staff to manage illness caused by bone pointing. Its modern equivalent is exclusion bullying. A theme running through The Missing Activist and Fast Fact Five.