Tory conference: snap, crackle but no pop

What a weekend. I haven't been surrounded by so many dreamy Conservatives since my days at Cambridge:)

But with the conference closed, the Tory to-do list is still crammed:

- agree a position on upgrading the assembly to a Scottish-style parliament
- decide whether to commit to PR in local government
- work out how to play Plaid Cymru: the only viable coalition partners
- hope Westminster approves the manifesto wish list (it's like a letter to Santa Claus says one notable hack)

The Conservatives did a very good job of keeping these debates away from the conference hall. But only the fuddiest of delegates would have left without sensing that this was a bit odd.

Make no mistake: behind closed doors these debates will take place. The results could make or break their next five years.

Labels: , , ,

posted by Blamerbell @ 8:24 am,

5 Comments:

At 10:07 am, Blogger Glyn Davies said...

In general, you are correct. The Conservatives are having a genuine debate about the future of Welsh Government. How else does any party change - except by dictat from on high. Read ConservativeHome to see what's happening to the Scottish Tories.

I thought Cameron's speech was as commanding a performance as I have seen from a Tory leader since Hague. He didn't play it for these irritating 'audience participation' applause moments. He just started giving us all sight of a centre/right leader who can connect with the people. In fact, writing this comment has inspired me to visit my own site and post on the subject.

By the way, have you read Peter Black's damage limitation, retro-fit post on Ming's 'Coalition with Labour speech'?

 
At 6:18 pm, Blogger Marcusian said...

Since Hague!! I didnt know Cameron was to be compared to such high company.

You also totally do not grapple with the original post, come on, tell us about Plaid, PR, the difference between Wales Conservatives and London. Tell us about how your going to turn wooly, wishy-washy language (put the word social in fron of everything dave, makes you look like you care!) in ACTUAL policies that benefit the people of Wales through the institutions of Wales...

 
At 6:20 pm, Blogger Remains of the Bay said...

I am sorry, but the following is a list of those things that a political anorak / constitutional geek / member of Plaid Cymru would be interested in.

- agree a position on upgrading the assembly to a Scottish-style parliament
- decide whether to commit to PR in local government
- work out how to play Plaid Cymru: the only viable coalition partners
- hope Westminster approves the manifesto wish list (it's like a letter to Santa Claus says one notable hack)

What about the real world? Most people in Wales are thinking about jobs, poverty, social issues, education, health, the environment. The Conservatives don't seem to have developed distinct policies in these areas, except to raise the prospect of discriminating against one-parent families.

Very, very few people in Wales give a monkeys about the Tory position on PR in local government.

This was always (and perhaps continues to be) one of the problems that faced Plaid - the inability to produce an effective policy programme that touched peoples' lives as most of their effort was focused on consitutional issues.

No one is going to rush to the polling booth on the basis that the Tories have found a manageable position on a Scottish-style parliament.

 
At 7:46 pm, Blogger Blamerbell said...

"Most people in Wales are thinking about jobs, poverty, social issues, education, health, the environment."

Believe me, a coalition with Plaid or further devolution would impact quite significantly on each of these issues. Just because people aren't talking about it in the pub doesn't mean it wouldn't have a mammoth effect on the Welsh population.


"By the way, have you read Peter Black's damage limitation, retro-fit post on Ming's 'Coalition with Labour speech'?"

Not yet. Still editing that Cameron interview...

 
At 9:33 pm, Blogger Marcusian said...

Baytastic,

You are right, the Tory party arent talking about issues that matter to normal people. I was merely highlighting how they have not actually some of the inherent contradictions in their approach, on a welsh and uk level.

 

Post a Comment

<< Home