Comments
PMQs win for GB was a direct result of Cameron's strategic failure
2009-12-03 08:21:10
So GB trounced Cameron at PMQs yesterday. That was the word used by my taxi driver, who had been listening on Five Live, and by plenty of others who texted, called and variously communicated the view that GB had been on form and DC on the floor.
I subsequently watched it myself - don't you just love the Parliament channel, shorn of commentators whispering that Nick Clegg is the leader of the Lib Dems, and pundits telling you what you ought to think - and I would have to agree with the cabbie.
Strategy is the key here. GB is right to keep banging on about inheritance tax because it speaks to what people are instinctively beginning to feel about Dave - that he is a pretty standard Tory who thinks if he sprays on a bit of 'I care about poverty' and smiles more nicely than Michael Howard, nobody will notice.
The Tories and their media friends will try to present this as class war, as they will any reminder to the public that Cameron went to a school that is a symbol of a system of class and privilege, and a fairly big barrier to Cameron's efforts to present himself as someone who gets the life of most people.
This crazy inheritance tax policy, one of their few firm commitments, dreamed up a couple of conferences ago, is fast becoming a potent symbol of the politics of privilege, that those who have should be helped to have some more. At a time of plenty, it might have seemed a jolly good wheeze. Right now, with the Tories ready to make savage cuts to public services, it doesn't look too clever.
One PMQs does not a political summer make. But the reason these exchanges matter is because they are often the place where competing strategies are forged.
Tony Blair worked out his opponents' defining weaknesses over time, over the despatch box. Major's weakness in facing up to the issues that divided his party. Hague's poor judgement which no amount of wit (a strength which became a weakness) could conceal. Duncan-Smith's unclear direction and all too clear opportunism. Howard's opportunism, nastiness and bandwagoning so extreme that he (with Dave at his right hand) at one point made gypsies the centrepiece of his campaign. (He's got form on the conkers front you see).
Cameron's weakness is that he has failed to do the strategic and policy heavy lifting to persuade the public his party has really changed. The reason is that he knows deep down his party hasn't changed and it doesn't really want to.
His highly effective presentation of the pretence of change can only take him so far. But the reality of a standard Tory toff who knows his party hasn't changed so he can't do much on the policy front and when he does it is right-wing nonsense like inheritance tax cuts for the rich or vacuous rubbish like his speech on conkers and goggles - oh my God did he really deliver that speech? - will eventually catch up on him. And it is. He can't say I didn't warn him. I've been saying it for yonks.
He does not have a clear sense of direction for his party. So why should the country think he has a clear sense of direction for Britain?
Archive
Capello and Rooney interviews the highlights of France/Uruguay coveragePublish date: 2010-06-12 09:51:57
Even at Queen's, I'm thinking big ideas for George and DannyPublish date: 2010-06-11 19:53:22
Helping George and Danny with cuts: Part 2Publish date: 2010-06-10 14:06:12
My part in the cuts consultation: Part 1: end charitable status for private schoolsPublish date: 2010-06-09 12:09:25
Cameron using Libs to do what he wanted to do all alongPublish date: 2010-06-08 11:07:03
In praise of Margaret Beckett and Malcolm TuckerPublish date: 2010-06-07 12:28:46
An everyday tale of modern journalism, plus All-Time Premier League teamPublish date: 2010-06-06 11:45:22
Making Hay while the sun shinesPublish date: 2010-06-05 11:12:03
Cameron right to go to CumbriaPublish date: 2010-06-04 14:32:34
All alone in my own BBC studioPublish date: 2010-06-03 14:52:39
Return to dialogue of the deaf is lasting damagePublish date: 2010-06-02 10:23:12
And the winner is ...Publish date: 2010-06-01 10:43:35
ConDem sense of humour bypass never happened under LabourPublish date: 2010-05-31 14:07:49
Cameron/Clegg will be regretting their expenses sanctimoniousnessPublish date: 2010-05-30 10:38:16
I fear Laws will be victim of Cameron ruthless streakPublish date: 2010-05-29 11:40:59
Thanks to the Con-Dems for making Question Time such funPublish date: 2010-05-28 02:01:03
Osborne has Lib Dems pretty much where he wants themPublish date: 2010-05-24 11:50:59
Time to Change Street-Porter's silly but prejudice-reinforcing views on depressionPublish date: 2010-05-21 12:19:18
Thumbs up for Wenlock and MandevillePublish date: 2010-05-20 10:11:10
Humourless Laws facing both ways with ease. And where is Nick Clegg?Publish date: 2010-05-18 10:17:24
Why I love the NHS even more than everPublish date: 2010-05-17 18:05:11
A bit of ENT on the NHSPublish date: 2010-05-17 11:06:17
Charles Kennedy speaks for many Lib DemsPublish date: 2010-05-16 14:18:11
Italian interview on Dick Clamberon, TB, GB, Murdoch inter aliaPublish date: 2010-05-15 13:45:54
Lib Dem desertions coming thick and fast. Business not impressed with ClameronPublish date: 2010-05-14 11:21:41
As Dick Clameron love-in begins, brilliant Martin Argles photos more powerful than wordsPublish date: 2010-05-13 12:39:17
Random House announce publication plans of AC diariesPublish date: 2010-05-12 17:23:12
Fight to get Labour back in starts nowPublish date: 2010-05-12 10:18:21
What's changed and what hasn't after yesterday?Publish date: 2010-05-11 08:29:25
In the circs, Labour's campaign was superbPublish date: 2010-05-08 11:12:25
Cameron as Obama - you have to laugh - then vote LabourPublish date: 2010-05-06 16:00:36
He has his faults, but my God you have to admire GB depth and resiliencePublish date: 2010-05-05 11:04:45
Big Society no laughing matter - but enjoy the film!Publish date: 2010-05-04 09:34:04
GB at his best at Citizens UK, fired with passion and convictionPublish date: 2010-05-03 18:40:35
Polls show race wide open. Tax credits massive issue with womenPublish date: 2010-05-03 11:38:46
Cameron has media stitched up, but public still doubtfulPublish date: 2010-05-02 11:36:33
Clegg poem gives foretaste of Tory/Lib coalitionPublish date: 2010-05-01 18:34:02
TV debate polls not what they seemPublish date: 2010-05-01 09:20:27
All still to play for. GB won. DC not answering. NC on wanePublish date: 2010-04-30 11:02:03
After all the fuss of yesterday, it is still the economy, stupidPublish date: 2010-04-29 17:00:44
GB mortified at bigot comment. Visit was human not politicalPublish date: 2010-04-28 16:56:13
All returning to roots as decison day loomsPublish date: 2010-04-28 12:46:55
Eton fags not the only ones looking forward to life under DavePublish date: 2010-04-27 15:47:36
Guest blog from a candidate in Tory-Lib council landPublish date: 2010-04-27 09:16:11
Only one leader talking policy today amid confused Tory tacticsPublish date: 2010-04-26 19:27:54
Clegg over-reach and cuddle up to Cameron both mistakesPublish date: 2010-04-26 11:41:32
Exposed: Tories and Lib Dems desperate to avoid policy debatePublish date: 2010-04-25 15:22:21
On Elvis, soft Lib Dems, Tory unfairness and silly Labour briefingsPublish date: 2010-04-25 09:06:16
Feeding defeat talk waste of time. Fight to winPublish date: 2010-04-24 10:19:02
Even their own polls say GB did better than they're sayingPublish date: 2010-04-23 15:42:51
Now let's have less process more policyPublish date: 2010-04-23 10:03:27
Press Clegg-bashing not helping Cameron. Debate should be on policyPublish date: 2010-04-22 12:33:25
Clegg's debate strategy hardly new honest politicsPublish date: 2010-04-21 12:48:09
More policy on the telly pleasePublish date: 2010-04-20 19:03:23
As Cameron revises body language, focus should be Lib Dem policyPublish date: 2010-04-20 10:25:50
Cameron junks broadcast - is he morphing into John Major?Publish date: 2010-04-19 14:56:02
Come on Dave and Nick - stop the carpingPublish date: 2010-04-19 09:49:59
A friendly letter to David CameronPublish date: 2010-04-18 10:24:08
Clegg rise good news for the campaignPublish date: 2010-04-17 10:02:47
The election landscape has changed. Exciting timesPublish date: 2010-04-16 14:45:39
Clegg wins on style, Brown on substance, Cameron on shallownessPublish date: 2010-04-16 01:32:41
Bring on the big debate. And don't miss Eddie Izzard tomorrowPublish date: 2010-04-15 18:58:37
Cameron's preference for process over policy in pre debate blatherPublish date: 2010-04-14 15:59:32
Black hole plus DIY public services - Cameron's second manifestoPublish date: 2010-04-13 10:37:52
Never mind 5 more years of GB. It's three more weeks of DC people worry aboutPublish date: 2010-04-12 11:16:02
Ashdown spot on about Tories' Sarah Palin momentPublish date: 2010-04-11 12:10:44
London Marathon the best of BritishPublish date: 2010-04-10 12:37:42
Pressure needs to be kept on Tories over NICsPublish date: 2010-04-09 13:15:17
Tories wrong on recession wrong on recoveryPublish date: 2010-04-08 11:47:59
Cameron's deception goes beyond the businessmenPublish date: 2010-04-07 19:55:22
Labour's greater scope for positive campaignPublish date: 2010-04-06 13:14:53
Cameron uncut - message matters more than moneyPublish date: 2010-04-05 11:33:17
Key election questions remain the same and the answer is still LabourPublish date: 2010-04-04 17:43:56
Osborne should heed his own wordsPublish date: 2010-04-03 16:01:39
The 25th HourPublish date: 2010-04-02 11:13:31
Hardly surprising if business prefers tax cut to wastePublish date: 2010-04-01 11:43:48
Tories really ought to listen to TB and Mr KaletskyPublish date: 2010-03-31 09:59:37
TB's return to fray a reminder of Cameron strategy failurePublish date: 2010-03-30 10:44:34
A chance to design Labour's next posterPublish date: 2010-03-29 09:47:29
Right pledges, at the right timePublish date: 2010-03-27 11:32:06
Can't wait to hear what George's tax wheeze isPublish date: 2010-03-26 14:55:00
Darling credible, Mandy exciting, Tories panicking over adsPublish date: 2010-03-25 11:21:25
Today is all about credibilityPublish date: 2010-03-24 09:38:11
Obama's win good news for politics everywherePublish date: 2010-03-23 10:11:13
I take my hat off to a genius brieferPublish date: 2010-03-22 17:21:23
With Hague disabled, Labour team v Tory team even more importantPublish date: 2010-03-19 11:43:25
Tory lack of clarity gets candidates jitteringPublish date: 2010-03-18 10:12:25
Is Kate Winslet's split more important than Michael Foot's funeral?Publish date: 2010-03-17 11:38:52
Why Sir Trevor did no favours for CameronPublish date: 2010-03-16 10:57:18
Support the Street Kids World CupPublish date: 2010-03-15 11:25:17
Bumping into Peter M on the fundraising campaign trailPublish date: 2010-03-14 00:27:35
Adonis shows the way on transport, and debatesPublish date: 2010-03-12 12:22:05
The record needs a better hearing - Labour and ToryPublish date: 2010-03-11 08:50:51
What happened to the detoxification of the Tory brand?Publish date: 2010-03-06 12:00:38
Support, activism and hope returning to LabourPublish date: 2010-03-05 09:46:34
Happy Birthday Lord Ashcroft HB2UPublish date: 2010-03-04 10:59:48
Michael Foot ... above all else a lovely manPublish date: 2010-03-03 14:22:46
Elvis support for Labour lifts the mood furtherPublish date: 2010-03-03 10:16:30
Hoovergate - the rebuttal amid hope of Labour winPublish date: 2010-03-02 13:00:35
At least Britney knows what she is singing aboutPublish date: 2010-03-01 10:57:28
News blackout on Olympian success storyPublish date: 2010-02-28 14:52:49
Kseniya Simonova's got talentPublish date: 2010-02-27 21:14:58
Debate expectations in a good place for GB and CleggPublish date: 2010-02-26 10:21:53
We all agree - Carlisle is cleverer than DCPublish date: 2010-02-25 11:59:11
On News International phone-hacking and CameronPublish date: 2010-02-24 09:40:08
GB, temper or not, a better leader for Britain than DCPublish date: 2010-02-23 10:24:48
Cameron inquiry call says more about him than GBPublish date: 2010-02-22 15:15:59
Some great stuff in The Observer todayPublish date: 2010-02-21 11:00:46
Game definitely on. If polls narrow more, Tory jitters set inPublish date: 2010-02-20 14:35:40
Cameron so right about pigs in pokesPublish date: 2010-02-19 09:12:50
How twitter is changing balance of power in film indsutryPublish date: 2010-02-18 12:00:19
Thanks for the thanks. Is online shopping not always like this?Publish date: 2010-02-17 10:44:30
There'll be another New Big Idea along in a momentPublish date: 2010-02-16 09:53:22
People may listen more to the political GB having heard the personal GBPublish date: 2010-02-15 13:11:57
Happy Valentine's Day. My present to you is Jacques BrelPublish date: 2010-02-14 12:06:54
A celeb fest in my weekend of culturePublish date: 2010-02-13 10:38:58
Alan Johnson right to stand up for security servicesPublish date: 2010-02-12 14:27:56
Time to turn up volume on sport schools revolutionPublish date: 2010-02-11 10:17:54
Let's give Cameron a Doris Day moment over AshcroftPublish date: 2010-02-10 10:29:05
Time for Maya's voice to be heard amid the non-tearsPublish date: 2010-02-09 09:04:22
Marr needs to explain his 'sexed up' question re casualtiesPublish date: 2010-02-08 13:55:36
On GB's tears with Piers, and my emotional moment with MarrPublish date: 2010-02-07 16:04:56
On NI, Tory fears of Labour spinsters, and headbands in sportPublish date: 2010-02-06 10:00:25
Daily Mail tells truth shock horrorPublish date: 2010-02-05 08:54:36
Welcome to the virtual Maya launch partyPublish date: 2010-02-04 10:38:44
Public ahead of press on the mess that is CameronPublish date: 2010-02-03 13:52:26
Cameron winning on media support but losing on leadershipPublish date: 2010-02-02 10:47:50
Buy The Blair Years and raise cash for LabourPublish date: 2010-02-01 09:00:00
A lesson in campaign mindset from young Labour studentsPublish date: 2010-01-31 13:14:19
Media tweets show the real agendaPublish date: 2010-01-29 21:18:59
TB made a judgement, and is defending it wellPublish date: 2010-01-29 14:04:38
On inequality, special advisers, Ireland, and TB/IraqPublish date: 2010-01-28 13:45:08
Message machine Mandelson on form todayPublish date: 2010-01-27 12:15:42
Only one place to be tonightPublish date: 2010-01-26 09:20:26
Cameron and tweeting ought to be natural fitPublish date: 2010-01-25 11:55:58
Big bucks campaigning not what it's cracked out to bePublish date: 2010-01-24 10:28:57
A life in unemployment statisticsPublish date: 2010-01-22 09:39:21
Learning the wrong Iraq lessons for Afghan warPublish date: 2010-01-21 10:24:46
Denis MacShane MP on the rewriting of history re Iraq warPublish date: 2010-01-20 10:44:07
Darling v Gove, Osborne and help the rich squad is No ContestPublish date: 2010-01-19 10:12:27
Dacre's DownfallPublish date: 2010-01-18 03:30:21
Rebutting the good and the bad, and support from football fansPublish date: 2010-01-17 12:45:38
Mandela is a great man, Invictus a great filmPublish date: 2010-01-16 08:54:48
Is Paul Dacre hiding a guilty secret that explains his deranged paper?Publish date: 2010-01-15 09:56:24
What's the real fight to be had?Publish date: 2010-01-14 10:20:20
On Owen Coyle and Brian LawsPublish date: 2010-01-13 18:27:58
Thanks to friend and foe alike for helping yesterday go byPublish date: 2010-01-13 08:49:25
So far so good in campaign to remove discriminatory lawPublish date: 2010-01-11 09:48:15
Thanks to Will Hutton for talking sense on 'class war'Publish date: 2010-01-10 12:56:48
In defence of airbrushed postersPublish date: 2010-01-09 16:45:29
Fire is always best turned on the ToriesPublish date: 2010-01-07 15:41:19
On Hoon-Hewitt and John PrescottPublish date: 2010-01-07 00:55:10
Sad and baffled to see Coyle goPublish date: 2010-01-05 16:26:05
Cameron's wobble the product of his team saying what their audiences want to hearPublish date: 2010-01-05 10:50:58
New Tory slogan - if you've got the cash, splash it on crap adsPublish date: 2010-01-02 12:11:18
And the musicians of the decade were ... The Beatles and The KingPublish date: 2009-12-31 18:52:25
Prepare for avalanche of Ashcroft posters for ToriesPublish date: 2009-12-30 15:06:06
Here's Good Luck to you, Mrs RobinsonPublish date: 2009-12-29 12:22:42
One man's White Christmas joy is another's football disasterPublish date: 2009-12-24 13:36:05
My favourite fact of the day - a French decimal time systemPublish date: 2009-12-23 16:48:00
A few crisis management tips for EurostarPublish date: 2009-12-22 11:49:35
Do we need same approach to booze as smoking?Publish date: 2009-12-19 09:13:28
Prepare for tears, tantrums and an imperfect but miraculous Copenhagen conclusionPublish date: 2009-12-18 10:23:03
London 2012 and Copenhagen today ... different approaches to tight deadlinesPublish date: 2009-12-16 11:13:21
Tiger cut off at the knees. I bet he'll be backPublish date: 2009-12-14 11:03:17
Cameron Shameron on the need for new laws to clarify Ashcroft tax statusPublish date: 2009-12-13 17:06:56
When poor mental health creates great art ...Publish date: 2009-12-12 15:21:13
Giggs gets my Sports Personality vote, but I'll miss the big momentPublish date: 2009-12-11 13:56:15
Tough day for Labour, but tough questions for Tories tooPublish date: 2009-12-10 10:03:13
Alistair Darling's quiet authority key part of recovery.Publish date: 2009-12-09 11:03:25
Clegg risks squeeze as election nearsPublish date: 2009-12-08 15:30:58
Copenhagen really matters. Guardian front page sets scene wellPublish date: 2009-12-07 10:26:33
Four years on, what do we think of Cameron's leadership?Publish date: 2009-12-06 13:55:17
Boris and Waddles, an everyday tale of Tory croneyismPublish date: 2009-12-05 09:53:35
The Speaker's wife is a credit to him, and spot on about Cameron's ToryismPublish date: 2009-12-04 10:52:37
Cameron's conkers add to his problem with serious opinionPublish date: 2009-12-02 10:59:45
Sarko at risk of riling Obama and GB. Cameron on conkersPublish date: 2009-12-01 10:29:48
The life and death of the man who made the link between exercise and healthPublish date: 2009-11-28 11:37:29
Even top Tories think Dave and Co can't do piss up in a breweryPublish date: 2009-11-27 20:51:29
Well done BBC Inside Sport. Shame on media for news blackout on Coulson bullying casePublish date: 2009-11-26 13:59:57
Well done BBC in Mental Health Media awards. Looking forward to Inside Sport on depression tonightPublish date: 2009-11-25 10:26:22
BBC main bulletin blackout on leaders' speeches bizarrePublish date: 2009-11-24 10:17:48
Business right to be worried about Tory axe on RDAsPublish date: 2009-11-23 10:17:12
Why should Brown and Cameron apologise for being seen to pay tribute to the war dead?Publish date: 2009-11-22 11:12:38
Beware climate change denial dressed up as 'commonsense'Publish date: 2009-11-21 12:54:27
Something for the weekend - a long lazy blog lifted from interviewsPublish date: 2009-11-20 12:35:23
If France and FIFA won't act on Thierry Henry, let's have a boycott of Gillette razorsPublish date: 2009-11-19 10:09:00
Never in the history of human taxation has so much been promised from so many to so fewPublish date: 2009-11-18 18:32:39
Tories far from 'effete and unfamiliar' when it comes to twisted tax prioritiesPublish date: 2009-11-18 09:52:12
Two very different stories of depressionPublish date: 2009-11-17 17:17:11
Congrats to Ellie on PPB campaign, and Willy Hague on getting van RompuyPublish date: 2009-11-17 11:40:14
Private schools worse than State schools - unless it's drugs you're after. DiscussPublish date: 2009-11-16 12:10:25
Fiona Millar 5 Toby Young 0Publish date: 2009-11-15 13:18:38
Where we fight we winPublish date: 2009-11-13 11:22:00
Good luck to Number 10 on 'lobby' review. And a big NO to the other PRPublish date: 2009-11-12 14:39:11
Robert Enke RIP. May his death increase understanding of depressionPublish date: 2009-11-11 17:59:53
On the exploitation of grief to get GordonPublish date: 2009-11-11 08:59:01
Why Tories are not home and dry, and wrong to call GB callousPublish date: 2009-11-10 13:00:20
Labour needs more of the winning mentalityPublish date: 2009-11-09 10:30:44
The scandal of friendship and the shame of Who Wants to be a Millionaire?Publish date: 2009-11-07 10:53:53
US clarity of strategy required for full explanation on AfghanistanPublish date: 2009-11-06 10:31:48
Just because he is French doesn't mean he's wrongPublish date: 2009-11-05 10:58:46
Congratulations to David Cameron and Trevor KavanaghPublish date: 2009-11-04 10:34:36
Is there a Sun blackout on Cameron's dumping of 'cast iron guarantee' on Europe?Publish date: 2009-11-03 20:37:04
Johnson seems to get it on immigration. Right on advisors advising tooPublish date: 2009-11-03 11:58:59
Public opinion on climate change - the public might be the problemPublish date: 2009-11-02 11:37:23
In praise of Stephen Fry, who should tweet or not as he sees fitPublish date: 2009-11-01 09:29:34
John Sergeant spot on re TB. TB's Olympics legacy. Liam Gallagher's generosityPublish date: 2009-10-30 11:50:44
Conservative contortions on Europe and BlairPublish date: 2009-10-29 11:44:12
Two-jobs Osborne suffering credibility deficitPublish date: 2009-10-28 09:14:22
Canaries win AC spin award with dark nights productivity surveyPublish date: 2009-10-27 09:41:48
Blair - dead big in Japan!Publish date: 2009-10-26 17:21:17
No complacency, variants on a themePublish date: 2009-10-24 09:48:46
Griffin may have been dreadful, but there can be no complacencyPublish date: 2009-10-23 11:57:29
Margaret Hodge MP on how to fight the BNPPublish date: 2009-10-22 16:48:39
Thanks to Charlie Falconer and Dominic Grieve - yes, I know he is a ToryPublish date: 2009-10-21 17:24:18
On Biscuitgate, barmy Tory policy, and BNP v GeneralsPublish date: 2009-10-21 10:36:15
More on Obergruppenfuhrer Dacre, Biscuitgate and Bullingdon ConservatismPublish date: 2009-10-20 12:16:37
Biscuitgate and Susan Boyle, no win territory for GBPublish date: 2009-10-19 12:31:00
Hating the Mail - a mindset worth havingPublish date: 2009-10-17 11:28:12
A line by line guide to the Mail statement on Gately article outragePublish date: 2009-10-16 19:12:36
Hit the Mail where it hurtsPublish date: 2009-10-16 16:36:02
Talking Cameron and Obama with US Democrats. Progressive Convervatism? No, he can'tPublish date: 2009-10-16 10:02:40
Inspired by kids' green passionPublish date: 2009-10-14 18:24:13
Good news on leukaemia, good news on student activismPublish date: 2009-10-13 08:24:21
Musings from Bertie Ahern, and how I won the Nobel prize for literaturePublish date: 2009-10-12 09:26:18
Continuing double standards in the mediaPublish date: 2009-10-11 11:36:21
The best policies in Cameron's speech were those of Labour Big GovernmentPublish date: 2009-10-08 17:07:40
Tongues slipping all over the placePublish date: 2009-10-08 09:00:07
Cameron confuses strategy and tactics and puts Union at riskPublish date: 2009-10-07 10:29:26
Osborne inspires apathy at BBC LeedsPublish date: 2009-10-06 16:01:59
Let's see more of the Tory candidates pleasePublish date: 2009-10-06 09:23:11
Labour needs to fight on record to stop Tory vandalismPublish date: 2009-10-05 14:28:40
VacuDave goes all peevish at difficult questions. Bring on the debatesPublish date: 2009-10-04 23:33:52
Lots of joking around in Jersey, though nothing as hysterical as Dave's Europe positionPublish date: 2009-10-03 10:31:22
On The Sun, Obama in Copenhagen and Alistair McGowan on the looPublish date: 2009-10-01 10:59:49
Sun switches ain't wot they used to bePublish date: 2009-09-30 10:17:14
Darling and Mandelson show what I mean by authenticityPublish date: 2009-09-28 16:28:18
Serious Politics 1 Low Journalism 0Publish date: 2009-09-27 11:55:54
Media's love for Cameron should be turned into a weaknessPublish date: 2009-09-26 10:30:03
Time for ministers to stand up and fightPublish date: 2009-09-25 09:40:26
Today's media double standards watchPublish date: 2009-09-24 09:29:45
Breaking News - GB wins award, Lib Dems face all waysPublish date: 2009-09-23 09:43:49
Why authenticity is the key to comms, and why Merkel will winPublish date: 2009-09-22 08:29:13
Why I love NHS walk-in centresPublish date: 2009-09-21 12:13:03
Here goes with the smoked SalmondPublish date: 2009-09-20 10:40:21
Breaking News - Cameron's vacuousness an impersonator's nightmarePublish date: 2009-09-19 11:06:09
Cameron has an army of spin doctors - aka journalistsPublish date: 2009-09-18 10:07:06
On Scottish independence, Cameron's short-termism, and Jimmy Carter being rightPublish date: 2009-09-17 09:56:56
Is Cameron Alex Salmond's Trojan Horse?Publish date: 2009-09-15 10:13:42
On the TUC, Roy of the Rovers and Anna WintourPublish date: 2009-09-14 11:04:46
Memo to Apple boss Steve JobsPublish date: 2009-09-13 17:36:31
A day in the life of a (crap) City traderPublish date: 2009-09-11 17:52:25
Defend record with pride, attack Tories with gustoPublish date: 2009-09-10 11:06:36
Cameron's Conservatism beyond parodyPublish date: 2009-09-09 10:38:00
On transforned cities, and tales of Princess Di and Laura BushPublish date: 2009-09-08 09:45:54
Labour should put minister up against Griffin on Question TimePublish date: 2009-09-06 12:39:56
School speech the latest source of right-wing frothing at ObamaPublish date: 2009-09-05 08:23:02
More horse's mouth, less Beeb blah pleasePublish date: 2009-09-04 22:49:20
Real respect for sport can be Olympic legacyPublish date: 2009-09-04 09:27:34
First ladies watch out for Japanese bombshellPublish date: 2009-09-03 10:47:19
TV debate - good idea in theory, but ...Publish date: 2009-09-02 15:37:43
'No worries' - the new response to thanksPublish date: 2009-09-01 12:25:19
Tremors of Japanese political earthquake will be felt far and widePublish date: 2009-08-30 15:50:54
Pressure on Ed Miliband can help get a climate change dealPublish date: 2009-08-28 13:39:08
Why Tories and media cannot stomach GCSE success storyPublish date: 2009-08-27 16:03:34
Exposing the absurdity of Chris GraylingPublish date: 2009-08-26 13:20:19
Joy and beauty and a night of magicPublish date: 2009-08-20 10:55:11
Twitter NHS backlash good for ObamaPublish date: 2009-08-14 15:44:49
A lifetime's ambition fulfilledPublish date: 2009-08-08 16:59:02
Breaking the blog-a-day spell as warm up to holidayPublish date: 2009-07-20 17:44:49
No hiding place from Twitter, me on the bike, JP in DCPublish date: 2009-07-17 18:17:09
At last - something Obama cannot do wellPublish date: 2009-07-16 10:05:47
Will MPs take the lead in the debate on euthanasia?Publish date: 2009-07-15 12:30:01
Berlin brothel leads the way to a greener worldPublish date: 2009-07-14 10:57:25
A time for GB to explain the whole picturePublish date: 2009-07-13 12:37:54
All hail Monty, Jimmy and Collie!Publish date: 2009-07-12 20:06:36
First triathlon of the summer for me, education award for FionaPublish date: 2009-07-12 09:43:06
Of Burnley's friendly and Obama's wandering eyePublish date: 2009-07-11 12:38:52
Two great early morning momentsPublish date: 2009-07-10 10:27:07
Cameron had better be sure he's rightPublish date: 2009-07-09 11:06:22
Guardian scoop has big questions for press, cops and CameronPublish date: 2009-07-08 20:40:54
Divisive legend: Lance ArmstrongPublish date: 2009-07-07 10:38:23
First hug a hoodie, now grab a gayPublish date: 2009-07-06 12:57:09
Mail on Scumday's wonderful account of Lansley's kipperdomPublish date: 2009-07-05 13:14:51
Ecclestone undermines his own success with alarming views on HitlerPublish date: 2009-07-04 14:04:04
When the conmen move more quickly than the councilPublish date: 2009-07-03 10:19:52
Andrew Lansley done up like a kipperPublish date: 2009-07-02 10:10:52
A day spent interviewing footballers, then being interviewed by a transvestite comedianPublish date: 2009-07-01 14:47:40
When the power of black eyes fadesPublish date: 2009-06-30 09:24:59
Farewell to Henry HodgePublish date: 2009-06-29 20:41:12
Honouring the power of sport to do goodPublish date: 2009-06-29 14:49:42
Andy Murray is a winner. Is that why some Brits don't like him?Publish date: 2009-06-28 09:19:20
New Parliament will look very different. The younger the betterPublish date: 2009-06-27 17:34:26
Two nice surprises, sad end to dayPublish date: 2009-06-26 09:16:33
Apology from the Spectator on Iraq boosts Henry Hodge fundPublish date: 2009-06-25 19:57:26
Thanks to Mr Harper on mental health, rebuttal of Mr Hague on IraqPublish date: 2009-06-24 23:47:54
Glad to find Eric Cantona in a quiet cinema ...Publish date: 2009-06-24 00:46:23
By Dave's friends shall we know him?Publish date: 2009-06-23 11:30:20
The Speaker has to balance tradition and change - but defend ParliamentPublish date: 2009-06-22 11:58:44
Less a blog than an apology for not having done onePublish date: 2009-06-21 20:07:43
The day Lions skipper Paul O'Connell took my trousers downPublish date: 2009-06-20 11:48:28
On the Iraq inquiry, Independent article wrongPublish date: 2009-06-19 20:28:24
Thank you to three readers, now please get involvedPublish date: 2009-06-19 09:13:35
A tribute to a lovely manPublish date: 2009-06-18 17:19:40
Bad times in Belfast, great day for Burnley, odd statement from Ed BallsPublish date: 2009-06-18 10:04:47
A plea for five-figure cyber-donationsPublish date: 2009-06-17 07:40:42
On two inquiriesPublish date: 2009-06-16 08:57:39
From India to Iran to Labour witPublish date: 2009-06-15 10:13:17
Memories of Princess DianaPublish date: 2009-06-14 09:54:55
A House Divided?Publish date: 2009-06-13 02:53:47
A humbling NHS experience, a media row and a good GB speechPublish date: 2009-06-12 10:48:46
Psychiatrists heading for relegation in 'disease prestige' league tablePublish date: 2009-06-11 10:25:35
The shrinks awaitPublish date: 2009-06-10 09:44:16
As Obama fights for healthcare, let's celebrate the record herePublish date: 2009-06-09 12:52:55
Anger at BNP seats must be turned into activismPublish date: 2009-06-08 14:11:10
Can today be as frenzied as Friday?Publish date: 2009-06-07 10:31:04
Take heart from a win in LambethPublish date: 2009-06-06 18:46:40
JP is right there was no proper campaign but Tories still weakPublish date: 2009-06-05 13:47:20
Do we care more about the NHS or moats?Publish date: 2009-06-04 00:21:23
Guardian of social justice or attention-seeker?Publish date: 2009-06-03 10:19:33
Who says Britain can't deliver the best?Publish date: 2009-06-02 08:08:38
Mainstream has a duty to vote against BNPPublish date: 2009-06-01 11:03:29
Let Diversity inspire a vote against the hate-filled BNPPublish date: 2009-05-31 12:24:20
White House whack at UK media well-timed but sure to be ignoredPublish date: 2009-05-30 13:41:00
Elvis has a plan to make MPs King againPublish date: 2009-05-29 12:09:44
At least there's a campaign on in ItalyPublish date: 2009-05-28 09:04:32
A blow to gay rights and a boost for Cameron's short-termismPublish date: 2009-05-27 11:27:41
It's my blog and I'll be a big kid if I want toPublish date: 2009-05-26 23:25:58
Highs feel better after so many lowsPublish date: 2009-05-26 10:13:12
Only one present countsPublish date: 2009-05-25 11:05:46
Contrast Cheney and BushPublish date: 2009-05-24 12:11:45
Sex (or at least the female form) obsessed BritainPublish date: 2009-05-23 20:49:57
Sport at both ends of the financial spectrumPublish date: 2009-05-23 09:57:23
Stronger together - whether Scotland or expensesPublish date: 2009-05-22 10:22:36
Back to Number 10, familiar faces, familiar argumentsPublish date: 2009-05-21 10:14:34
Speaking up for ParliamentPublish date: 2009-05-20 11:44:17
Peace in the Middle East - yes he canPublish date: 2009-05-19 09:37:35
Breaking news - one frenzy at a timePublish date: 2009-05-18 10:34:30
Getting a good look at Vince CablePublish date: 2009-05-17 09:36:55
How do you solve a problem like Silvio?Publish date: 2009-05-16 09:32:21
It was the internet wot won itPublish date: 2009-05-15 10:04:57
There now follows ... a good whack at CameronPublish date: 2009-05-14 17:21:28
They got their kit off - so you get your cash outPublish date: 2009-05-14 07:41:11
Expenses row must not obscure Tory intentions on minimum wagePublish date: 2009-05-13 16:12:08
We love you Burnley, we do ... what a nightPublish date: 2009-05-13 02:37:17
A tweet cannot express the wonders of TGVPublish date: 2009-05-12 08:48:31
It's Mind week - Get it off your Chest with me and Stephen FryPublish date: 2009-05-11 06:29:15
Hate the Mail, love ObamaPublish date: 2009-05-10 10:04:00
Burnley 1 Reading 0 - a biased reportPublish date: 2009-05-09 21:26:32
MPs expenses - time for party leaders to meet againPublish date: 2009-05-09 09:50:19
Should happiness replace prosperity as national goal?Publish date: 2009-05-08 08:43:23
Musings from a sleepless nightPublish date: 2009-05-07 07:33:49
Darren Fletcher - an injustice that has to be rightedPublish date: 2009-05-06 09:52:29
Maggie's legacy not as great as she thinksPublish date: 2009-05-05 08:33:02
Here's hoping Cardiff is metaphor for CameronPublish date: 2009-05-04 09:38:30
More Mr Benn and Co pleasePublish date: 2009-05-03 10:03:00
Going Fourth with JPPublish date: 2009-05-02 18:25:41
Journalism - print first, think laterPublish date: 2009-05-02 09:10:01
In praise of two poetsPublish date: 2009-05-01 10:26:36
JP hits the road againPublish date: 2009-04-29 18:52:11
My night with Eddie IzzardPublish date: 2009-04-29 10:53:25
Explaining the 50p top tax ratePublish date: 2009-04-28 09:22:53
George Best and Martin McGuinnessPublish date: 2009-04-27 09:02:35
Cameron confused over indepdendence and impartialityPublish date: 2009-04-26 12:20:56
Guide ro Marathon running part 2Publish date: 2009-04-25 11:01:34
Good signals on coal and the OlympicsPublish date: 2009-04-24 10:45:28
Tips for the London MarathonPublish date: 2009-04-23 17:29:27
Missed the Budget, saw why it matteredPublish date: 2009-04-22 23:09:31
Football good, politics bad. AllegedlyPublish date: 2009-04-22 00:00:24
The Great Wall gets greaterPublish date: 2009-04-21 09:55:22
Two sides to police storyPublish date: 2009-04-20 11:39:54
Budgets, Balls, billionaires and Susan BoylePublish date: 2009-04-19 12:31:45
Do muscles have memories?Publish date: 2009-04-18 09:44:44
Bring back standing at footballPublish date: 2009-04-17 14:50:22
When Facebook friends fall outPublish date: 2009-04-16 12:29:16
Guardian sightings and the email and bath plug agendaPublish date: 2009-04-15 11:32:16
The spin is all in the prismPublish date: 2009-04-14 09:22:41
A setback, not a crisisPublish date: 2009-04-13 12:55:19
The real lessons from Damian McBridePublish date: 2009-04-12 10:49:47
Will English always be the dominant language?Publish date: 2009-04-11 10:02:02
On the pipes and what makes a ScotPublish date: 2009-04-10 11:06:20
John Prescott lazy? NO WAYPublish date: 2009-04-09 09:11:31
David Frost is seventyPublish date: 2009-04-08 08:48:38
The Speaker, BBC2, tonight and tomorrow 8pmPublish date: 2009-04-07 14:25:31
Obama, colds and being woken by Korean missilesPublish date: 2009-04-06 11:59:24
When a call matters more than protocolPublish date: 2009-04-05 11:33:42
Green Cities Champions LeaguePublish date: 2009-04-04 10:19:53
Could Cameron have delivered the G20 deal?Publish date: 2009-04-03 10:11:59
Of Benn and BonoPublish date: 2009-04-02 08:21:16
Memo to Sarko - allez vite a LondresPublish date: 2009-04-01 08:46:17
Happy April Fool's DayPublish date: 2009-04-01 01:44:05
Eurostar, Le Monde and a thought for the G20 sherpasPublish date: 2009-03-31 09:17:22
Why Kevin Rudd made an impactPublish date: 2009-03-30 10:24:41
Pre-G20 hype matters less than post-G20 processPublish date: 2009-03-29 13:17:28
The Damned UnitedPublish date: 2009-03-28 10:37:04
A hobby horse, a plug and a bit of sportPublish date: 2009-03-27 10:22:23
Cloughie - he had a lot to be big-headed aboutPublish date: 2009-03-26 09:38:36
A sad sight of the old fearing the youngPublish date: 2009-03-25 17:03:07
Post-modern, post-structural, or bullshit?Publish date: 2009-03-25 08:18:02
Learning the right lessons from ObamaPublish date: 2009-03-24 08:53:15
Lazy Dave needs to keep an eye on lazy KenPublish date: 2009-03-23 11:16:14
Farewell favourite restaurant, hello hometownPublish date: 2009-03-22 08:18:09
Dave, Danny and have the Tories really changed?Publish date: 2009-03-21 08:55:13
Life beyond Dover ...Publish date: 2009-03-20 10:11:21
My friends in The New Statesman - Fergie, Fiona, Tony, Sarah, Kevin, 'Dacre,' and a great GB idea for the G20Publish date: 2009-03-18 10:38:22
Iraq, Iran, GB, Obama and diplomatic chessPublish date: 2009-03-17 10:07:13
The Age of StupidPublish date: 2009-03-16 08:27:13
Is all change good?Publish date: 2009-03-15 10:00:06
The pressure of being a post-modern sex godPublish date: 2009-03-14 10:00:55
Cameron still hasn't sealed the deal with businessPublish date: 2009-03-13 09:21:49
Stand up for social workersPublish date: 2009-03-12 08:31:17
Surely Malcolm Tucker could have told Armando Ianucci ... You can't spin a spinnerPublish date: 2009-03-11 10:58:25
Start of a new approach from Labour?Publish date: 2009-03-10 09:54:12
A peace process still strongPublish date: 2009-03-09 08:21:05
Day of destiny for the real footballer of the yearPublish date: 2009-03-08 09:21:06
Private advice to Peggy Mitchell - the leaked note in fullPublish date: 2009-03-07 08:17:21
Boris, the Tories and the tummy-tickling poodle pressPublish date: 2009-03-06 09:49:37
A day in the life of the self-obsessed TV reporterPublish date: 2009-03-05 07:55:47
GB - good speech, well deliveredPublish date: 2009-03-04 19:31:05
Notes on the environment, a role in EastEndersPublish date: 2009-03-04 10:58:56
She may be my 'wife' but it is time to rebut!Publish date: 2009-03-03 10:52:59
Some speeches matter more than othersPublish date: 2009-03-02 12:04:45
Mental health and the Carling Cup FinalPublish date: 2009-03-01 09:08:17
Inside the chocolate factoryPublish date: 2009-02-28 10:23:59
GB on the G20, JP on Jeremy KylePublish date: 2009-02-27 09:14:36
Charity and the credit crunch, please give generously!Publish date: 2009-02-26 08:55:12
Why oh why are the Tories not home and dry?Publish date: 2009-02-24 09:44:59
Me, Dermot and ten top songsPublish date: 2009-02-23 10:02:19
Names round-upPublish date: 2009-02-22 08:43:39
What's in a name?Publish date: 2009-02-21 09:58:14
Editing the New StatesmanPublish date: 2009-02-20 11:42:36
Salute Peter M’s proper use of the F wordPublish date: 2009-02-19 09:58:58
Labour's communications challenge for the NHSPublish date: 2009-02-18 10:34:39
In praise of KeighleyPublish date: 2009-02-17 14:33:57
A night at the EmiratesPublish date: 2009-02-17 00:06:51
When marriage is testedPublish date: 2009-02-16 13:36:35
Spare me the myths and the whiningPublish date: 2009-02-15 13:29:50
Dave Cameron - is that all there is?Publish date: 2009-02-14 11:11:55
Boris Johnson: F is for ...Publish date: 2009-02-13 07:55:10
The Cameron vacuumPublish date: 2009-02-12 14:48:33
Lincoln, Obama, Blair and the 24 hour media culturePublish date: 2009-02-11 10:28:47
Eighteen interviews later ...Publish date: 2009-02-10 19:24:45
Time to talk about Time to Change on NewsnightPublish date: 2009-02-09 22:47:49
So that’s what they mean by online community?Publish date: 2009-02-08 12:12:51
First blogPublish date: 2009-02-05 15:23:57
samuel skipp
2009-12-22 08:00:57Agree it is the same old Torie party. Cutting inheritance tax cuts for the very rich but yet are committed to cutting educational matainace allowance after 200 long years they still are not ready for oppurtuinity for all! I don't recieve EMA but i see first hand how important it is as many of my friends rely on it yet the Tories with 16 out of thier 22 cabinet being millionaires struggle to acknowledge that fact saying its a bribe to stay in education. It is actually a symbol of support for people who otherwise wouldn't be able to stay in education saying it is a bribe is actually a very patronizing view of the youth but yet this is the Tory party we are talking about. Also was watching this week a while back and completley agree with you when you said about Labour mp's taking the fight to the Tories people like Abbot need to acknowldge this before it is too late.
Andrew Williams
2009-12-06 10:36:35The Eton stuff isn't a big matter for most people. The house flipping expenses and the non-dom status of MPs resonates more negatively with people. It's the fairness test. Most ordinary people don't mind if you were privately educated so long as you don't think you're above the rules that apply to them.
Marek
2009-12-04 23:12:59Did you notice that TB was ever so politely rejected by the EU?
We all know why.
Reading your blog tells me that you are running out of ideas. It may have worked before people realised how you operate. After all, Fettes must be so different from Eton in that hardly anyone has heard of it.
You should try to grow up. Everyone knows that you were sacked for spreading out-of-date information for going to war. But then again, people tend to be polite.
The thing about Chilcot is that you cannot control the outcome.
You are clearly not always into objectiveity but if you look at the analysis you will see that social mobility has slumped from around the time that grammar schools were abolished. How could that be?
Andrew Williams
2009-12-04 21:02:46"The Tories and their media friends will try to present this as class war, as they will any reminder to the public that Cameron went to a school that is a symbol of a system of class and privilege, and a fairly big barrier to Cameron's efforts to present himself as someone who gets the life of most people"
Hmmm, George Orwell went to Eton was George he out of touch with the lives of most people? Or that other Old Etonian Dominic West from The Wire, does he not understand the lives of real people? As an actor he seems to be able to get into the head of an ordinary working policeman quite convincingly.
For what it's worth I think people are more turned off by career politicians who they feel know nothing about the world outside Westminster than they're concerned about where someone's mum or Dad sent them to school. That's one of the reason that people like Boris...he had a life and career outside of politics.
betty curtis
2009-12-04 19:55:06Alistair
I was delighted with PMQ's & when Gordon thru the one liners @"Call me Dave"
I don't care who came up with them ie The Times says it was you AC
Two of the shots at Mr Cameron seemed premeditated: accusing the Tory leader of a “1930s mindset” on the recession and a policy from “the playing fields of Eton” on inheritance tax. Another, that “the more he talks, the less he says”, looked truly off the cuff.
"Brilliant" & clever! & exact!
The elite Cameron & his (no Policies)Conservatives believe it's their God given right to be in Government.
Cameron has all the trappings of Royalty(related to William 1V) & that's why it rings true to Gordon & Labour party supporters that everything "Dave"says sounds like it was trumped up on the"PLAYING FIELDS OF EATON"
They have proved they are unfit to Govern & no understanding of the Global financial tsunami once again let me reiterate A Tory leader with a"1930's mindset" as we say in Scotland "GON YERSEL GORDON"sock it to him"You're the main man"
James Cherkoff
2009-12-04 13:14:53A few years go I was told by a very prominent Tory journalist that DC would never recover from the revelation that he cycles to work while someone drives behind him with his suit and shoes. I noted the other day a report that people do indeed still remember this story about him.
packo
2009-12-04 08:05:37When George Osborne said that "we are all in this together"
he was plainly quite unaware of the degree to which his circumstances differ from those of the rest of us. This is the real problem. It is not a matter of class. It is the assumption of this Tory elite that they understand ordinary British people. They don't. They never have.The point of Tory government is to protect the vested interests of this elite.
Jim O
2009-12-03 22:01:17I don't think it matters what school Dave went to. Except that, in certain individuals, it fosters contempt for the rest of society. That is Dave's, and his cronies', biggest failing and it is the raison d'etre of the Tory Party.
Brian Tomkinson b
2009-12-03 22:00:57Your only strategy (I am not sure you know the meaning of the word) is to revert to basic class warfare. I suppose those private school educated in your party, whom you must consider as hypocrites e.g your pal Blair, Harman, Balls, Woodward you can tolerate as useful fools. It is in fact you and Brown who have learned nothing during the last thirteen years and are taking your discredited party back whence you came.
Alex Sewell
2009-12-03 21:52:19DC = Wolf in sheep's clothing
Alan Quinn
2009-12-03 21:42:33Have to agree with you AC, Gorders battered him and Dave looked rattled.
Boudicca
2009-12-03 15:04:28Brown's strategy is to dog whistle to former Labour core voters who have deserted Labour for the BNP. The message is 'forget immigration, when we can have an old-fashioned British class war.' It will only appeal to people already inclined to vote Labour.
Just as an example. I am a divorced, single mother of two. I work in the public sector. I live in an ex-local authority house. I should be voting Labour. But I won't be. Apart from the fact that the current Government is so appalling, I own my house (in the SE). I have a few savings and recently inherited a relatively small sum on money. I am not wealthy by a long shot, but my combined 'worth' because of the value of my house takes me well above the Inheritence Tax thresh-hold. I can't split the value with a partner, as Labour proposes, to avoid my sons' paying Inheritance Tax.
So, for being a single mother, if I get run over by a bus, my sons will lose out under Labour. But they won't under the Tories. And there are millions of people in the midlands and south, as well as more affluent areas elsewhere in the country who are making the same calculation.
As for criticising Cameron because of the school HIS PARENTS chose for him .... what about Blair (Fettes), Harman (St Pauls for Girls); Balls (also privately educated); Woodward and the rest. They are just as much toffs as anyone in the Tories - but they are also hypocrites.
Mark 'Elvis' Wright
2009-12-03 13:37:04Best GB performance for quite some time.
Although there seems to be something different about GB in general ever since the Jackie Janes situation.
It's almost as if since then, his raw emotions having been revealed for all to see at his press briefing on the Janes incident, GB has been determined to never allow his actions, or inactions, to be misinterpreted ever again.
He has been solid in his outlining of his government's Afghan strategy. The arguments have been strong, persuasive, well presented and not bogged down with 'GB speak'.
For the first time in a long time I found myself nodding along to his assertion that "What people are asking (what usually follows this well used GB phrase is precisely NOT what anybody is asking and is a way of just dodging a difficult question) is why after 8 *years* (his emphasis) there hasn't been a single sighting of Osama Bin Laden?"
A simple question. But an important one.
Am I making a minor point in highlighting GB's ability to ask a basic question? Maybe. But it demonstrates to the public at large that GB can, and does, think about the issues and ask questions in the same way as everybody else.
GB's body language has changed. He seems somehow *bigger* whereas Cameron for the past 2 or 3 weeks is sounding increasingly high pitched with a trace of panic in his voice.
The good ship GB seem to have new wind its sails. Things feel just a little better on the Labour benches for it.
I'm not writing off the clunking fist just yet.
Joe Perry
2009-12-03 13:34:31Labour needs their spinmaster, Alastair Campbell. In fact they need all the help that they can get, but whilst dictator Brown is at the helm they have no chance whatsoever. Anyone publicly fighting for Labour will have egg on their face and a big embarrassment to live with.
Hazico
2009-12-03 13:33:05Hi Alistair-
just seen the Times article online re the campaign plans- and I think excellent choices.
It would be great to recreate that passion and fighting spirit from conference.A combination of GB's solid economic policies,and a touch of humour and "streetwiseness" will come across well!
There are certainly many holes to pick in the consrvatives' lack of relevant policies(other than nitpicking and opportunistic topics)- so I think Labour should go for it and have a field day!
However- I think negative campaigning should be kept to a minimum.Just sticking to the achievements and aspiations/values should be enough.
Somehow an acnowledgement or reconnection with "core voters" must be acheived though- many are feeling alienated and angry.
Hope you don't mind a few suggestions...but thanks and good luck!!
peter robertson
2009-12-03 13:25:48Spot on with GB's perfomance at PMQ yesterday. The best I've seen him. Labour has a good message, the party should be proud about its record over the last 12 years and show the Tories for what they really are....clueless
Ctesibius
2009-12-03 13:11:32'... my taxi driver...' Tube a bit down-market for the Islington ruling class?
Quietzapple
2009-12-03 13:03:57The stuff about Spain and the G20 is nonsense, as Sir Iain Dale well knows, contrary to his tedious pursuit of the matter.
The G20 is a forum in which Finance Ministers, and more recently PMs/leaders meet to discus finance etc.
Spain has been attending for a while, and most people who are not tendentious pedants looking for a riposte to those who pointed out Chameleon's errors, for which he had to apologise, re the muslim faith school he bad mouthed, would just accept that Spain is a G20 member to all intents and purposes for PMQs.
but . . .
Harry Gee
2009-12-03 12:56:53Oh I went all nostalgic when you mentioned Tony taking apart Major ... and Hague ... and IDS (I had totally forgotten about him) ... and Howard.
Cassie
2009-12-03 12:55:46Well done on LBC, and well done to LBC for raising the Coulson bullying case. The failure of the media to follow that story is a form of corruption. I see the FT has a story today about Cameron flogging himself to donors. Don;t suppose Sun or Times or Mail or Torygraph will follow that one either
Em
2009-12-03 11:41:19The inheritance tax policy is proof positive the party hasn't changed. Voters realise the Tories can't count on having a new north sea of oil every time they are in power so they can maintain some social services whilst keeping taxes low, and, when push comes to shove, the Tories will favour their rich friends to the rest of the electorate and those who are in greatest need.
roger
2009-12-03 11:34:16I think Campbell has confirmed what we all knew ages ago - he's been feeding Brown the PMQs soundbites.
I don't know what universe the Left inhabit - the man I saw masquerading as the PM was unbalanced, no doubt about it. Brown was as high as a kite.
We'll see how far these bigoted and vicious attacks upon Cameron gets Labour and Brown.
Colin Morley
2009-12-03 11:24:52Good to see GB getting the upper hand at PMQs. Whatever I or anyone else says about the man, I do believe he is sincere against DCs obvious PR front. Problem is that PMQs do not an election win - vast majority of the populus never watch or listen or even care - Sadly the media agenda is what sways most - and I don't see a single newspaper headline about how well GB performed at PMQs - not newsworthy enough. Vicious circle.
Charlie Reynolds
2009-12-03 10:56:58Spain is a member of the G20?? That is what I took away from PMQs! GB being happy after saying this did not make him look any better than when he said Britian was best placed to ride the recession or that we could look forward to 0% growth. I can't see anyone trusting this blatant liar.
I don't care where Cameron went to school. Tony Blair went to Fettes but that was not his problem.
Cameron and the Tories have been honest about their plans after the election with more detail than I can ever recall from a political party. Their message is probably not popular - and if they were merely strategists they would not have bothered surely. We all know that government debt needs to be curbed. The tories have set out the reality we face. Labour is in denial after reinflating the bubble. The worst is still to come.
Trying to appeal to the core vote when you have spent 15 years ignoring them and supporting bankers and CEO's huge salaries is all too transparent to everyone.
I kind of feel Gordon and Labour should have to suffer being in power for the next 5 years. Or at least I would
if it wasn't that it would destroy Britain.
Charlie
2009-12-03 10:09:11AC. The role that you are playing in preparing Gordon Brown for his weekly encounters with Dave is, at last, beginning to have its effect.
Can we look forward to you bringing your vast experience to bear and formalising your role as an advisor to No10, or will your role remain essentially informal?
Rick
2009-12-03 10:00:10Great analysis Alastair. It was great to see Gordon on top form and at last seeing the Tories exposed on this. I also think Cameron's condescending tone towards the Prime Minister does him no favours - all too often he sounds like a public school bully. Some say this is Labour appealing to core vote - but actually I think this question of services vs inheritance tax cuts demonstrates to the wider public where the two parties priorities lie, and it therefore has a much wider resonance.
Jane A
2009-12-03 09:47:21I wonder if Dave is at the mercy of his yes men, in that no one seems to be suggesting to him that to win an election, he needs to raise his game & drop his complacent heir-to-No10 attitude. People will not just vote Tory because they "fancy a change," for a start. Not many people will fancy the sort of change which leaves them with less money in their pockets and takes funds away from public services which need them the most. He underestimates the public who are smart enough to want some concrete policies spelled out.
Kath Chibah
2009-12-03 09:36:15At last Brown is beginning to show up Cameron's manifold flaws - the public have been crying out for this for so long. At last a challenge to the Nick Robinson version of reality...........If Brown keeps going like this there is a lot more to be optimistic about than labour supporters have been led to believe recently.
@jlocke13
2009-12-03 09:33:30When the labour party sink to using class warfare you know they are worried. I don't know about you Alastair, but I had no choice in who my parents were, how rich they were or where I went to school...even your hero TB went to the "Eton of Scotland"....Attacking a persons background is little different to attacking someone because they happen to have been born black...
citizenx
2009-12-03 08:42:16And of the blatant lie about Spain being in the G20?
"oh, its part of the EU, therefore a member"
Is that what your man meant?
Roll on the election and the hope of permanent destruction of New Labour and all the nasty pieces of work who've brought it upon us.
Post a comment