Menzies thinks we are "still unpleasant"

In today's interview with ePolitix.com, the invisible LibDem leader equates being right-wing with being unpleasant:

"Asked by ePolitix.com how the Liberal Democrats could distinguish themselves from Cameron's party, Sir Menzies said: "As an occasional Presbyterian I know that 'by thee works thou shall no them' is true. It's not what people say that matters it is what they do and how they vote. Who drafted the Conservative manifesto of 2005? It was David Cameron. And most people consider it to be one of the most right-wing, unpleasant documents since 1945 and I don't think party has really changed. At its core it is still right-wing and unpleasant."

Anyone involved in local politics will have a different idea about who "the unpleasant party" really is. He of course didn't mention his party's election handbook endorsing the giving out of sweets to children as bribery for leafletting.  LibDem MPs are denying they have used "the Freitag Method".

In a more reasonable tone, he goes on to say that this government has "squeezed the boundaries out of politics", and that Cameron is merely offering a change of management:

"The difference which we can provide is that we are values and principles based and the task of the leadership now is to make sure those values have contemporary relevance. Not that the values have changed, or been abandoned or diluted but that these timeless values, that have certainly stood the test of time and critical judgement, that these values are given contemporary relevance."

Menzies has his work cut out for him to align chameleon LibDem policies to one coherent set of values.

9.30am update: It didn't take long for another example to come along!

"The Scottish Executive was accused of orchestrating the removal yesterday of SNP and Tory by-election fliers from lamp-posts bordering the A96 in Moray - just hours ahead of a visit by one of its ministers. Workers from trunk roads agency Bear used ladders and a cherry-picker to cut down dozens of fliers which had been attached to lampposts over the past few days.The fliers were taken down on the day that Transport Minister Tavish Scott visited Elgin - a fact not lost on SNP candidate Richard Lochhead. Mr Lochhead suggested it was suspiciously coincidental that the fliers were all removed just before Lib Dem MSP Mr Scott arrived in town."

Deputy Editor

Comments

[Chad]

One problem with the Lib/Dems is that liberals vote for them, not realising that they are not the true Liberal Party.

One problem with the Conservative Party is that conservatives vote for them, not realising that they are not the true conservative Party.

Ming insults the Tories as he fears losing votes to them.

Cameron insults the UKIP as he fears losing votes to them.

While Ming, Blair and Dave are busy insulting each other in the press for superficial media affect, they all seem very happy to agree to state funding of political parties whilst ignoring Darfur and Iran.

[James Maskell]

Rick...sorry to let you down but I beat you to that one. It seems a strange term... I reckon Campbell knows Rent-A-Faith, a subsidiary of Rent-A-Car, recently bought by Blockbusters!

[Jonathan Sheppard]

Interesting that he doesnt like parties but is a member of one. So logical. So Lib Dem.

[Jonathan Sheppard]

Its amusing that Flash Gordon is currently playing on ITV1 - Its the most we've seen of Ming in weeks!

[Chad]

I guess all three leaders will happily continue to trade insults up to the locals in May.

Two questions though:

1: How many more people will have died in Darfur by then?
2: How many centrifuges will Iran have by then?

[James Maskell]

Curiously Jonathan, Godzilla's on as well. An old monster that just wont go away and wants to destroy the world as we know it.

[Jonathan Sheppard]

Something even William Norton couldnt make up!

[Chad]

Good to see where your priorities are Jonathan. You must have breezed your a-list interview.

Have you picked today's piece of litter yet?

[Jonathan Sheppard]

Im a big believe in the concept of work life balance. And if Flash Gordon is on, who can turn off a classic like that.

Havent picked up any litter but Ive put my new green wheelie bin to good use. Unfortunately Chesterfield doesnt recycle plastic in any shape or form yet!

[Margaret]

A letter in the local paper today:-

Appropriate party name

It is always interesting to be present at the birth of a new political party. I wonder what name Mr. Cameron and Mr. Maude will choose for their new baby.

It cannot, of course, be "Conservative", for that is already taken.

Perhaps "Allmodcon" might be appropriate.

[Chad]

Unfortunately Chesterfield doesnt recycle plastic in any shape or form yet!

Well then you'll have to just be content with recycling Labour policies! ;-)

[Jonathan Sheppard]

Not me Chad - being brought up in the Socialist Republic of Chesterfield one became aware of the failing of Labour long before they came to power nationally!

[Suggestion]

Chad,

Don't be concerned with Jonathan's A list interview. Let's remind all readers of this blog that you are a non-Conservative, in fact an anti-Conservative, poster. A man who has started his own political party. (Is it techincally a party if only the host attends?)

You usually reply to CH posters pointing this fact out with 'don't make it about me, keep on topic'. This is utter nonsense, of course, because it is about you. About your rejection of the Conservative party and its principles, and about the fact that you founded your own, non-Tory party. Yet you continue on CH taking up space and air. And in your comments you endeavour, at least by omission, to convince readers you are a Tory.

Which is fine, in that the owner of the blog promotes free expression. But it is important to point out to lurkers, many of whom work for the media, that you, Chad, are not a Conservative. Your sneers on picking up litter and caring for the environment do not respresent Conservatism. As I've said before, we Conservatives believe in conserving. Like Kilroy-Silk, you have started your own party. A non-Tory party. You deserve to be regarded as mini-Kilroy. I say 'mini', for at least he had a national reputation before starting his own political shop.

It's important, since you post 20 comments a day, to remind people in every thread that you appear that you are a person who stands against the Conservatives.

[Chad]

Jonathan,

Which of these are CamCon policies (which you want to stand on) and which are Labour's? (Just so I can understand the key differences)

1: Big government State funding of political parties
2: No plans for coalition action for Darfur.
3: National id database (not cards!)
4: No referendum on EU.
5: No more grammar schools.
6: No action on Iran.
7: Don't overfill your kettle.

[Chad]

Suggestion,

But I am a conservative.

Look at today's news. I won't apologise about highlighting the way the big parties are spending their time insulting each other rather than taking action on Darfur and Iran.

[Anon]

And what is your "party" doing? And you as its leader seems content to criticise pretty much everything. How can an opposition party take action on Iran or Darfur - if they are in opposition? Governments take action - so why not aim your criticism there?

[Jonathan Sheppard]

Im very happy with DCs leadership. And I actually would love to see the reality of a Conservative Government in the near future -
Thats something I dont just what to "imagine" - I'll leave that to you Chad.

[Suggestion]

No Chad,

You are not. You are the founder of your own political party. You stand against the Conservative party.

Of course, your joke party will never actually do the Tories any damage (party of one, table six!). My concern, rather, is with the opinion formers who read this blog, journalists etc. They all need to be made aware that you are not a Tory and that your comments (your contempt for picking up litter, for example) stand against the Tory party, which you are not part of.

The only way you can damage the Conservatives is if readers of CH form the impression that you are one of us. You're not. Hope that's all clear to everybody.

[John Hustings]

I don't think there's a rule that you have to support the Tory party to comment here. If there is I am not aware of it. Chad has made clear that he is a small "c" conservative and that explains his interest in visiting here.

Since there are no such rules, people should be free to make their comments free from hounding or intimidation. I find it frankly insidious of you to intimate that you will follow up all Chad's posts with a disclaimer telling everyone about his party affiliation.

[Suggestion]

Chad tries to convince people he is part of this party. He posts endless detailerd critiques of Cameron, of Tory environment and diversity policy, etc, without any disclaimer, as though he were a disgruntled activist.

But in fact, he stared a party to work against the interests of the Conservative party.

His latest sally is having a go at the man who started Tory Radio - a genuine attempt to contribute to Tory debate.

"Did you pick up your piece of litter today yet?" - yeah, that's it - Conservatives don't give a monkey's about their local environment.

It has become painfully clear in recent weeks that the media follows this blog and loves to quote folks like you, John, as evidence of imaginary Tory discontent. But as I understand it you are actually a Tory.

When somebody who posts prolifically attacking the party does not make it clear he isn't a Tory, that to me is not right.

Chad has a perfect right to post. And I have a perfect right to remind the reading media that disdain for picking up litter comes from an anti-Tory, not an actual Tory. That Chad, far from being representative, is actually against the Tory party to the point of founding his own rival body.

I'm sure Chad can comment away. Tory or not. I never said he had to support this party to comment. He's free to do so. And equally, I can always make it clear that Chad founded an anti-Tory party. One line will do.

I daresay the Imagine party will appreciate the free publicity!

[James Maskell]

Suggestion is out of order. Chad posts using his own name and doesnt hide behind anonymity. You shouldnt criticise until you start posting your actual name.

[Jonathan Sheppard]

That will teach me to mention that I was watching Flash Gordon while doing the garden. Look what Ive started!

[Chad]

Just for the record, not only do I not hide under an alias and do comment under my real name, but I also submitted this update to my community profile on the 11th which Tim is due to add:

"I am a committed (small c) conservative, but it should be noted that I am
not a current member of the Tory Party, having left to form the Imagine
Party, a moderately centre-left party with a base of small-government
conservative values and core aim to oppose all forms of state funding of
political parties.
Please treat everything I say with extreme suspicion! ;-)"

I have nothing to hide nor seek to mask my small c conservatism and opposition to the current direction of the Tory Party under Cameron.

[James Maskell]

Doing the garden as well? Hope you arent using a hosepipe!

[Jonathan Sheppard]

If you could see the size of my garden you could tell that one watering can could pretty much cover it all (though ooops North we dont have a shortage of water) I was actually trying to come up with a way of keeping neighbourhood cats out - but I really wouldnt want to start a thread on that.

[Suggestion]

One word: Catnip.

[John Hustings]

But, Suggestion, since Chad has been as open as he can be about *not* belonging to the party (and he really doesn't need a disclaimer on every thread), the only possible interpretation of your comments is that you wish to hound him from the site.

He is also not unconnected to the party, since he recently left it because he was unhappy at the recent direction it has taken (something I myself have thought about). His views about the direction of the party are, thus, more than a little relevant.

[Jonathan Sheppard]

OK you asked for it... I have the blue crystal looking stinky stuff, cat pepper, netting over my whole lawn so it might re-grow, and a sonic cat repeller! All environmentally friendly I might add!

[Samuel Coates]

Chad, your profile has been duly amended.

[Samuel Coates]

Dear Jonathan, your solution is simple.

[Chad]

Thanks Sam.

[Jonathan Sheppard]

Tempting - though a bit cruel as I am out at work all day!

[Samuel Coates]

How about this one?

SHANE Ref 1231

1½ - 2 year old. Cream German Shepherd.

Friendly dog.

Not good with cats. Not to be homed with children under 12.

Needs some house training.

Oops, I'm straying from this thread as much as this dog has from its previous owner!

[Chad]

His latest sally is having a go at the man who started Tory Radio - a genuine attempt to contribute to Tory debate.

But p.s., I love ToryRadio and was one of the first people to advertise it. I also provide free advertising for Big C Tories under coolservative (take a look at satiresearch.com's prominent ad which get 10k visitors a day so lots of clicks through).

Not really the actions of someone trying to harm the party is it?

[Jonathan Sheppard]

AS long as someone is tuning in!

[Chad]

Well I'm not so keen on the presenter... ;-)

[Jonathan Sheppard]

Mt wife says that sometimes - and weve only been married a matter of weeks!

[Jonathan Sheppard]

Mt wife says that sometimes - and weve only been married a matter of weeks!

[Jonathan Sheppard]

She even says it twice :o)

[Chad]

lol. You'll have to release an edition in south-of-england English so we can understand what you are saying. ;-)

[Margaret]

Thank you for steering me towards Peter Hitchen's blog. His take on the 3 main parties is spot on.

And bananas to you too, Dave

Read Peter Hitchens only in The Mail on Sunday

Dave Cameron, the self-styled heir to Blair, continues to do my job for me, alienating and exasperating even the most loyal Tories as if he were deliberately trying to destroy his doomed party.

He sneers at opponents of new housing estates as 'bananas' - 'Build absolutely nothing anywhere near anyone'. Well, I'm afraid he has no idea what he is saying. People who have grown up as rich as Mr Cameron have very little idea of how much those who must buy their own houses with their own hard-earned money treasure any patch of green space nearby.

This is his problem, that he simply does not understand the middle class. He seems to think everyone can afford spacious homes, a neighbourhood of ordered peace, and either private schools or select, untypical state schools in nice areas.

He doesn't know how hard they have to work simply to stay in the same place. He doesn't know about the crime and the disorder that follow the drugs he is so soft on. He speaks for sheltered London toffs with second homes, but not for the great millions of people with just one home.

Each week that passes, I suspect that he is losing another few thousand voters forever. Meanwhile his silly green and pink flirtations win him the good opinions of the sort of people who would rather gulp a pint of strychnine than vote Tory. Brilliant strategy, Dave. Keep it up.

[Jonathan Sheppard]

Do I sound right northern? I always thought I sounded very posh dont you know!

[Chad]

I grew up in Southend, so can only understand Estuary English.

So living in Suffolk now, I don't understand them and they don't understand me. Perfect!

[James Maskell]

Well, if you call yourself "right northern", yes... Though if you called yourself "like, northern", I guess we'd assume you were a chav!

[Jonathan Sheppard]

Im confused by all this southern talk. You will be able to amuse yourself with the difference between my accent and Zac Goldsmiths in 10 days

[James Maskell]

Well, with the lack of real policy coming through, we need to find ways of amusing ourselves. Its a shame it has to be at your expense.

[Jonathan Sheppard]

As long as you keep listening and get others to I can cope.

[Rick]

Rick...sorry to let you down but I beat you to that one

James - you did !

Frankly I was just shocked that Campbell could say anything so stupid ! When we live in an era of corroding values he chooses Easter to say something so inanely stupid.

Have any of these people any connection with reality or do they just read whatever script they are handed ?

[James Maskell]

Maybe hes occasionally intelligent?

[a-tracy]

I've always wondered about this right-wing=unpleasant rubbish.

What is pleasant about being left wing and promising people a welfare state from cradle to grave and then reneging on those promises half a century later because it's not been thought through properly long term?

Just look at the state pension, at 16 years of age I was told that I would draw a state pension at 60 it's now 65 (possibly 68,69 or 70 who knows!) What's fair about introducing a minimum wage and then not increasing the basic state pension by the same %increase of the NMW (if they had at least a basic pension would be just over £100). It's all well and good to be 'left' minded but making promises with other people's money that you can't keep, like the current government, in order to keep their own jobs today without considering the consequences tomorrow are no better than credit card companies that just allow people to take on more credit than they could ever repay and then forcing those more cautious amongst us to pay for their errors.

You see I think of right wing people as those that save, live by the rules (however much they disagree with them), that have aspiration, have no desire to survive off the state, independent in action and thought but caring in their families and their community and most importantly pay their way - if that makes them unpleasant then it's a funny old world.