A few days ago I posted:In the absence any Conservatism from the Conservative Party and in despair at Labour the voters are seemingly looking for a do over. We are not getting the options we want or need so we are engineering a hung Parliament as a vote of no confidence in both Labour and the Conservatives and we are hoping one or both will come out the other side and start listening to what people are asking for.Now it seems the Sunday Telegraph has some polling that shows I am on the right track:A surprising 34 per cent of voters think that Britain’s interests would “best be served” if the election resulted, as most polls now predict, in a hung parliament, despite warnings that such an outcome would gravely hamper the country’s ability to recover from its economic woes and...

If Nick Clegg sounded a little hoarse from a sore throat throughout his leader’s speech to the Birmingham spring conference then it’s not surprising: he has been omnipresent in the media this week, winning the Lib Dems more coverage than I can remember outside of an election campaign. The first responsibility of any Lib Dem leader’s speech is to forget that he is talking to the party faithful in the conference hall – they will vote for the party regardless – and to pitch directly to the wider public watching the speech live or on news bulletins. The second responsibility of any Lib Dem leader’s speech is to remember that he is talking to the party faithful in the conference hall – and that he needs to fire them up for the election contest to...

To match their new slogan "Change that works for you, building a fairer Britain" the all white Lib Dems have revealed their new Party Logo:Note: This is not an official Lib Dem...

I linked earlier to David Blackburns piece, regarding David Camerons mini reshuffle before the election heats up.  I read it last night and was tempted to pass comment, decided against and have had another change of mind now.David starts by claiming that James Fortsyth had three weeks earlier laid blame for the Tory downturn at the door of Osborne, Hilton, Coulson and Bridges for the incoherent and dismal message.  I had actually published two days earlier then James that the blame lies with David Cameron, and that he needed to appoint a dedicated General Election Coordinator to take charge and control the messaging.  That is after all what leaders do; they lead and establish a chain of command and have people observe it.  Having four or five people working...

"If people constantly frighten themselves to thinking that the only possibility is two old answers to every problem – the red team or the blue team – then we won't allow politics to change in the way I think people's voting behaviour suggests people want it to change: more plural, more diverse, not stuffed in to this old duopoly."It's not romantic, it is much more heartfelt than that. The...

I've just been out on my first ever canvassing session and I loved it. I can't believe how many people were willing to talk about both local and national politics. I've been left feeling a lot more positive about winning in May (if I do get selected as the Conservative Candidate) and I can't wait to get out there and do it all again. Anyway, talking about national politics, here is David Cameron with a great message for the...

Very sneakily, Clegg’s team have found a neat way to turn questions about hung parliaments into a positive message about Lib Dem policy. We saw it on the news today, and I’m sure we’ll see it wheeled out again – and again, and again, probably until journalists get bored of asking the question. When asked what the Lib Dems would do in the event of a hung parliament, Nick’s strategy is to say what the Lib Dems would want to get from any sort of deal, which mysteriously matches closely with the four key themes. Nick says we would want to have the first £10,000 of income tax free, improve education, fix the economy and banking system and fix our broken parliamentary system. Asked whether Nick can guarantee those as red lines of any deal, the response is that...

Ever since it first surfaced during the 1992 US presidential campaign, the claim that all elections are essentially about “the economy, stupid” has become something of a political cliché.Like most clichés though, this one contains more than a grain of truth.MPs expenses, the Iraq Inquiry, antisocial behaviour, the personalities of the party leaders – all will doubtless play a part in helping to shape the forthcoming election battle.But when all is said and done, it is the state of the British economy which will be uppermost in most peoples’ minds when, as now seems certain, they come to cast their votes on 6 May.One of the many reasons for this is that there is an unusual degree of unanimity between the two main parties that it should be so.It is more often the case in politics...

And so Honest Nick's car sales offers you this nice little runner of a slogan, one careful lady owner, only used it on Sundays to take her mum to church."Change that works for you. Building a fairer Britain."This isn't even a good job by a professional tradesman. This is a political vehicle glued together from the offcuts of the the major parties - who should sue for breach of copyright. This is one motor too dodgy to be risked on the road even for a test drive, Mr Clegg. If I were you, I'd trade it in for a new one under the slogan scrappage scheme.Go home to your constituencies and prepare for...

Not satisfied with launching a new General Election slogan which is a rip off of both the Labour and Conservative slogans, the Lib Dems have managed to sink even lower in a pathetic attempt to hide their all white shame. THE RED RAG blog has rightly pointed out the duplicity of the Lib Dem's new message to the voters.Can you spot the difference?This is the new picture that appears on the Lib Dem website: And this is a picture of all the Lib Dem MPs.Number of Lib Dem MPs 62, number of white Lib Dem MPs 62. Please visit THE RED RAG for more...

Just had an email from Sporting Index, all is well...apparently:London, 11th March 2010 – The Tories are on course to secure a 23-seat majority in the forthcoming General Election, according to spread betting experts Sporting Index. Sporting Index’s quote is in direct contrast to much of the recent poll data which has suggested an increasing likelihood of a hung parliament. Sporting...

Further to yesterday's blog post, you can find the interview given to me by Winkball here (Bottom of the page, as otherwise you might think I am confusing myself with Christopher Biggins ;-). That said I do seem to find myself in interesting company on the Campaigns Page ). To be fair I was nervous and (cringe) I said Economy when I meant recession, plus I was a bit static, but otherwise I think I just about managed it. I do need to think more carefully about how I come across on Video/TV though.That said, below is my answer to the question about my predictions for the next general election.(Winkball.com) Click here link to...

Labour governments are excellent at throwing money at problems, but they are worse than incompetent when it comes to managing what that money has been spent on. And don't forget that the economic genius Gordon Brown sold our gold off at rock bottom prices - a quarter of its current...

Today, as Brown and Cameron settled into their weekly joust at PMQ's, I was near Hammersmith being interviewed on camera by Winkball on my views on the 2010 General Election, joining such luminaries as Caroline Lucas and George Galloway.As soon as the videos go up I will share them with you here, so stay tuned...

In his speech today, William Hague said:“Our ability to undertake economic modernisation will be critical to Britain’s future influence. When capital, labour and technology are increasingly mobile we cannot stand still. That is why James Dyson’s report about how we can give more weight to science and technology in our economy is so welcome. That is why our proposals on business taxation are oriented towards attracting and maintaining investment, why our programme of education reform explicitly draws from best practice across the globe, from Alberta to Sweden to Singapore, to ensure we make the most of every young person’s talent in the future.“But the change, the modernisation, our economy needs is not guaranteed. If our opponents’ mistaken arguments and mistaken principles...

Today’s setting of the budget for 24 March means it’s all but certain that the general election will be on 6 May, the date of the scheduled local elections. What that means in terms of deadlines for nominations, applying for postal votes and so on is detailed in this general and local elections 2010 timetable I’ve put...

"Take a long hard look at the Conservative Party". That's one of the slogans being used by the Labour Party on the run up to the General Election. And I couldn't agree more, I (an ex-Labour voter) took a long hard look and I liked what I discovered. I hope that you will do the same. I could make this post an epic - comparing the Conservatives the the Labour party - but I think all that is necessary is to cover my opinion of Labour is this: Labour governments are excellent at throwing money at problems, but the are worse than incompetent when it comes to managing what the money has been spent on.So instead of a comparison I'm going to tell you what a Conservative government has to offer (and it is not free laptops I'm afraid).Here is a clipping from a newspaper advertisement by the...

So we are to have a budget in two weeks time, or at least we are to have Alistair Darling on TV in two weeks time telling us how he is going to spent yet more borrowed cash on swing voters in order to buy Labour another election. Here is some of what Gordon Brown said today:"We are weathering the storm; now is no time to turn back."We will hold to our course. And we will complete this mission. We have got through this storm together but there are still substantial risks ahead. "There will be bumps in the road. And I believe the only way to overcome them is by displaying the same strength and resolve as we did during the crisis." He then (with a straight face) declared that he had the “character” to lead Britain to economic recovery and attacked the Tories for planning to cut spending...

Dear David Cameron, It’s been a rocky few weeks to say the least, although you seem to be just about keeping your head above water in the national and marginals polls.  Today Gordon Brown will make a speech about the economy at the same time as more bad news pours in.  I’m not a fan of negative campaigning at the best of times, but I wonder whether stoking (fully justified) fear amongst the public is the best tactic that you have available. In a major speech in London today, Brown is expected to outline the action that he thinks is necessary to secure the recovery, focusing on job creation in the UK and further reforms to global economic governance.  ”We are at a turning point, a crossroads, for our domestic economic recovery,” he is expected to say. ...

At a time when Councils are trying to help their residents out by keeping council tax bills down (my local Conservative council has frozen it), Gordon Brown wants to saddle them with a £250m burden to pay for extra social care. If Gordon Brown wants this scheme to happen, then why isn't he funding it, instead of passing the burden onto local councils? Inevitably we will pay for this scheme through our council tax.During DCLG Parliamentary questions today, Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Caroline Spelman confronted the Government further over their social care scheme, accusing Ministers of Living in “cloud cuckoo Land”Extracts from the debate: “Councils are "feeling furious" after being warned they could have to contribute GBP250 million towards a...

From the FT: The Liberal Democrats will centre their campaign on joint appearances by Nick Clegg, leader, and Vince Cable, Treasury spokesman, in an attempt to project a blend of youth and experience. A clutch of former Lib Dem leaders will be deployed in the regions. Paddy Ashdown is taking a hands-on role directing the Lib Dem’s defence of the south-west heartlands. Sir Menzies Campbell and Charles Kennedy will be touring seats in Scotland and the north. The article also lists Chris Huhne (“pugnacious, quick-footed”) and Lynne Featherstone (“sound media performer”) as ones to watch in the Liberal Democrat campaign. Read the full story, including details of the Labour and Conservative faces for the General Election campaign...

Commenting on the publication of DEFRA’s consultation on dangerous dogs, Shadow Environment Secretary Nick Herbert, said:"The problem of dangerous dogs is growing and the current legislation is clearly not working, but the Government's proposals risk penalising millions of law-abiding dog owners with the blunt instrument of a dog tax. We should be targeting the minority of irresponsible dog owners, not the vast majority who are responsible dog lovers. And we need to legislate carefully, not in haste, so that we don’t repeat the mistakes of the infamously flawed Dangerous Dogs Act.Conservatives and many others have been calling for action to deal with dangerous dogs for years, and we are pleased that the Government has finally woken up to the problem. But we question why they have...

The BNP has announced its Buckingham candidate for the 2010 General Election, adding another candidate to a slate which already includes UKIP, John Stevens (former Lib Dem member and before that, Conservative MEP,) Patrick Phillips (“conservatively minded” Independent candidate) and Geoff Howard (former Conservative and UKIP member). With the three main parties refraining from standing against the Speaker, it will be interesting to see how the vote is split by the minor parties and independents, all of whom have or have had right-wing leanings. The Liberal Democrats have chosen a spokesperson rather than a candidate. From the Buckingham Advertiser: The British National Party has nominated one of its members, Adam Worley, to stand for the Buckingham seat in the next general...

  Step Forward or Stop Complaining I am writing to let you know about the Jury Team's (http://www.juryteam.org/) progress.  Last weekend we launched our general election campaign. We had advertisements in newspapers and magazines with a circulation of more than 5 million and a readership of more than double that number (see http://tiny.cc/ZLhbt). Are you happy with the current political parties and politicians? If not then now is the time to stand up and be counted. Step forward and make a difference or stop complaining. If the turkeys (the current MP's and political class) won't vote for us, we need to change the turkeys. Go to www.juryteam.org/become-an-mp.php to sign up as a candidate to be an MP to challenge the politicians you dislike (or even despise).The British...

I’ve certainly criticised academics a few times for not really getting political campaigning – and so spending time looking in the wrong place (such as in my post on internet campaigning) but one exception to that certainly is Phil Cowley of Nottingham University. So it’s not a great surprise that the new Election 2010 blog run by him and colleagues is looking very good, with a regular feed of relevant content – but also content that isn’t simply duplicating what is elsewhere. You can take a look at...

There has been a gradual change in the tone of support for David Cameron's Conservatives, I would say it traces back to the dropping of a particular cast-iron pledge, others may care to trace it back further.  However, there is a consistent change in tone right before one gives up all together the Cameron project, I have been through it, loads of other bloggers have, Fraser has, Gerald Warner and Simon Heffer probably went about 20 minutes after Cameron assumed the leadership.  The change in tone though is important as it is about consistent through everyone who has exhibited it.So, having noticed this, I am deducing that it is again not going to be a good week for Dave nor, his top team (if you will excuse me calling them that) as I am now detecting the same wobble from one of...

Are you thinking about becoming a Conservative Party Member? I joined the party to help get rid of Gordon Brown and Labour before they can do any more damage. Becoming a member is a great way to meet up with like minded people through your local association. If enough of us get together, we can make the changes that we can all see are desperately needed.Also the party really does depend on membership fees to fight elections. No matter what you may have heard about Non Dom donors, it is a fact that Labour receive more from Non Doms. And contrary to what Labour ministers are trying to spin, Labour (with the help of the unions) are spending more in marginal seats. Labour are going to fight a dirty campaign and the Conservatives are going to need all the help they can get.From the party...

That seems to be the implication of this article by Philip Johnston in the Daily Telegraph:The 1990 Calcutta Cup was a grudge match for the Scots, but now the discontent has moved to England, says Philip Johnston I hope those were present at that momentous game in 1990 knew they were watching an historic change in the tide of men...appparently:The background is set out in a new book called...

If you go to Amazon searching for “Why vote Liberal Democrat?”, edited by Danny Alexander and just published  by Biteback, you may be surprised to find yourself being presented instead with a book of the same title from 1997, written by William Wallace. The new book is misfiled by Amazon under the title “Why vote Lib Dem?” but actually the 1997 volume provides an interesting contrast with the 2010 version. The 2010 book in one of a series, covering also Labour, Conservatives, SNP, Plaid and the Greens. All the others are single person authored books (with the exception of a more general “Why Vote?” book), with chapter titles that give a list of long and worthy policy areas. They are souped up, lengthened policy manifestos. That sort of book certainly has its place, and is the...

Welcome to the new faces of Conservatism - five white blokes in suits. The usual suspects. Cameron and Hague, Cuddly Ken Clarke, Michael Gove and Jeremy Hunt (another of the former PR-merchants in the Tory party). All Oxbridge, all with no significant life experience outside politics.But wait - no room for the man who would be our next Chancellor? The man who should be front and centre, explaining how the Tories will take us out of recession and into depression? The man before whom conventional economists cower in fear of his intellect? George Osborne has been sidelined.The Tories deny that Mr Osborne or Mr Grayling have been snubbed. They say Mr Osborne will concentrate on his behind-the-scenes role as the Tories’ Election mastermind and will make occasional public appearances.Oh good....

Gordon Brown sunk to a new lows this week (if that is possible). Calling our Generals liars over Defence funding is a disgrace, but to then fly out to Afghanistan for a photo op with the troops is beneath contempt. I hope the people get rid of this despicable...

I've always been in favour of English votes on English Laws (EVoEL), and to some extent so has the Conservative Party. They see why the current system is flawed against the English, but their proposal for a English Grand Committee does not go far enough for some. This is how it works (I think): All MPs can vote on the first, second AND third readings of England-only laws. However, on the third reading, parties would be stopped from using Scottish votes to block amendments made by English MPs. This is not a perfect solution but it is a damn sight more than Gordon Brown would ever offer.I will be voting Conservative whether or not they go all the way and introduce EVoEL because the Tories are the only party heading in the right direction on this matter. The same can be said over the EU, I...

The following video from David Cameron explains exactly why I stopped supporting Labour and will be voting Conservative at the next General Election. In fact, I feel so strongly about getting rid of our wasteful Labour Government that I'm hoping to stand as a Tory candidate in my local council elections. Please watch this video with an open mind, we really do need a Conservative Government to get the country's books back in...

All elections leave a lasting legacy, but if there was one election in modern times which has influenced more or less everything that has happened in British politics since then, it is surely 1983.The catastrophic defeat suffered by Michael Foot’s Labour Party in that year began the process of self-examination and reform which eventually begat New Labour in the 1990s and shaped the politics of today.In the wake of Mr Foot’s death aged 96 this week, the most intriguing tribute came from the lips of Tony Blair - “he was as far removed from the techniques of modern politics as it was possible to be.”Only Mr Blair with his silken charm could have made this sound like a compliment. In truth, he dedicated moreorless the whole of his career to wiping out all trace of the Labour Party...

The Hansard Society’s latest Audit of Political Engagement has added to the view that there is likely to be another risible turnout at the impending General Election. The study finds that only 54% say they are certain to vote. The Hansard Society have offered some ideas about how to boost turnout. They suggest that more should be done to target groups such as the ‘disenchanted and mistrustful’. Apparently, a quarter of adults, mostly young and working-class, fall into this category of voters who distrust politicians but not yet entirely hostile. But a report from the Electoral Commission would suggest that efforts to get these voters to the polling station may often fall at the first hurdle. The report suggests that voter registration levels have fallen compared to the late...

The Ashcroft saga looks like it will end up as an own goal for Labour. There is nothing illegal about the whole story. Not only that, but Lord Ashcroft wasn't born with a silver spoon in his mouth (sorry, socialists), as everyone knows he's a self-made man, and one of the success stories of the old Grammar School System.What will come as a great shock for Labour luvvies is that he also pays tax on his financial and private affairs in the UK, making him a UK taxpayer.In a nutshell, despite the media spin and fake outrage from Labour Ministers and supporters, it seems that the trustworthy UK public have worked out that it's a simple smear campaign, orchestrated (if somewhat slightly out of tune) by Brown's backstairs department.This is going to end up an own goal for Labour as it draws...

I've add an additional feature to the site for all of you who enjoy a political flutter.Scroll to the bottom of the screen and you'll the latest percentages from Betfair for a Conservative, Labour, Lib Dem majority. More disturbingly the number of seats to be won are also predicted and David Cameron & Co's are falling almost by the hour. Down now to 337 which would give an overall majority of...

Following the launch of the Conservative iPhone app, Labour have launched an app of their own.Features in the launch version of the app include:■User-friendly guide to all the key policy dodges.■Ability to telephone canvass potential comrades and report their voting intentions back to the Party (great way to target bribes i.e. free laptops).■Simple mechanism for donating directly to the Party (a bit like union dues, but with your permission).■Easy way to watch all the latest Prescott Vlogs (you lucky people).■Virtual ‘Swingometer’ featuring a UK map getting bluer as Labour's percentage share in the General Election decreases.■Automatic Twitter updates (directives) from the Labour Party and integrated access to the Facebook page (access will be monitored).John Prescott...

If you snapped up flights to the US during the Christmas sales, here’s some news that’s grimmer than a wet day in Doncaster – the pound is taking one hell of a beating from the dollar right now. The reasons are many and varied, but the net effect is that if you try and exchange your money anytime soon, you’re going to get screwed over: From a high of nearly $1.65 to the pound in January, sterling dropped below $1.60 at the beginning of February, and on Monday slipped below $1.49 – suddenly you’re getting $15 less per £100 compared to six weeks ago. According to business papers, key causes include the upcoming UK elections, continued economic strife and investors scrutinising the European market closer than ever since Greece blew its financial load....

So, it's really going to happen. We'll be having three presidential-style debates between the leaders of the two main parties, plus Nick Clegg. (Well, I say three, but actually it could to be at least nine.)I should be excited; after all, I'm a political junkie for whom no entrails are too messy to merit close inspection. In addition, I am - or, rather, used to be - a debater, and watching people engaged in verbal jousting from behind podiums is intrinsically interesting to me. (They say that politics is showbiz for ugly people; God knows what they say about debating.)But I'm not excited. Oh, I'll watch the debates, no doubt about that - but excited? Not so much. Because they almost certainly won't matter.When you think back to Presidential debates of the past half century, what are the...