The Tory task
James Forsyth 11:20am
Martin Ivens has a fantastic column in The Sunday Times about what the Tories need to do this week in Birmingham.
“Their task is to meld two seemingly contradictory messages into a seamless whole. First, they must steal two favourite words from Brown’s old lexicon, prudence and stability, and attach them to their own economic plans: a reassuringly small-“c” conservative message is required. Secondly, they have to offer a radical agenda of change in the public services. The charge that nobody knows what the new, slick Conservatives stand for can’t be allowed to stick.”
The Tories need a set of promises that the voters understand akin to New Labour’s 1997 pledge card. It is good to see the Tories pushing their transformative schools policies. But they need a message on other public services as well. The Tories can’t continue to be satisfied with their ‘not there yet’ position on health.
One other point that Martin makes is that Cameron needs to rebalance his front bench. As he puts it,
“Cameron misses a larger-than-life figure who appeals to council-house Britain and northern voters. The loss of David Davis, who resigned as shadow home secretary to spend more time with his ego, is still felt. Davis promised to hug a hoodie very hard indeed: his replacement, the bright Dominic Grieve, looks as if he still hugs a teddy.”
Once Brown has reshuffled, Cameron should look to further strengthen his front bench. Now is the time to bring the big beasts back and to promote the most able of the 2005 intake.
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Rex Burr
September 28th, 2008 1:10pm Report this commentAbolishon of Inheritance Tax and Stamp Duty on share transactions and pronouncements on food labeling in conjunction with a major food processor really will not do.
I know it's a drag, but winning an election requires the support of 'common' people who don't own a half million pound house or shares and have the feeling that the business community are out to screw them.
Faceless Bureaucrat
September 28th, 2008 1:11pm Report this comment"Once Brown has reshuffled, Cameron should look to further strengthen his front bench. Now is the time to bring the big beasts back and to promote the most able of the 2005 intake."
...And to swallow his pride and bring David Davis back - if Davis refuses, Cameron is seen to be the 'bigger man' and Davis looks petulant - if he accepts, Cameron look like a leader who puts the strength of his Team above personal feelings. Sounds like a win-win situation to me...
dalesman
September 28th, 2008 2:55pm Report this commentFaceless Bureaucrat:
Couldn't agree more. The Davis thing is definitely win-win for Cameron, and a couple of the big beasts back in the cabinet would be a good thing.
From what Cameron was saying on the Marr show it sounds unlikely though.
Verity
September 28th, 2008 3:57pm Report this commentJohn Redwood for leader. Brainy, clear-thinker and doesn't try to relate to everyone and pretend he's one of them.
I don't want a new best friend. I want someone who has the will and the nous to fix this country and drive it forward. Not a twizzly pr prat.
Marian C
September 28th, 2008 4:10pm Report this commentFaceless Bureaucrat & Dalesman; I agree with both of you, it is time to bring David Davis back, especially as the readers of the 'red top papers' connected with him re: Civil Liberties. It is these readers that the Conservatives need to connect with to ensure a return to power.
Max Kaye
September 28th, 2008 6:02pm Report this commentI also support bringing DD back to the top table.
C Powell
September 28th, 2008 9:06pm Report this commentAgree with what others have said re DD. The Tories need to make their position on the surveillance state Labour has created clear: are they really against it and what steps will they take to reduce it? I fear that we will simply replace Labour's repulsive authoritarianism with a Tory version, just as repulsive in its own way because it's fundamentally contemptuous of us. I would like the Tories to say something substantive on this. Without it they won't be getting my vote.
TGF UKIP
September 28th, 2008 11:00pm Report this commentThe only "Big Beasts" who would sit comfortably with Dave and vice versa, are left of centre, big government, paternalistic Tories such as Clarke and Heseltine.
DD had obviously had more than he could endure of Dave's pc, ultra green, social democracy so any excuse was a good one to get out.
He will not be coming back, but will, however, be waiting to pick up the pieces when Dave crashes to earth and the Stupid Party regains its senses.
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