Truth v lies: the stakes are high

Today George Osborne sets out the Conservatives' claim to be the party of truth in the great public spending battle, laying down the dividing line for the general election. Honesty looks set to be the dominant theme in all political discourse from now on. It's a theme I exploited to the full on Any Questions? last Friday, because it seemed to me the thread which linked the biggest issues raised. And Trevor Kavanagh in the Sun today challenges the Tories to nail the 'Big Lie' that the Government has become. If the Conservatives can get on top in the battle of truth and lies, they will stand to gain not only a big majority but also a mandate to govern. It's not going to be easy: politicians of all parties (with a few brave exceptions) have lost the habit of providing direct answers to direct questions. If David Cameron and his team can break the trend, and surprise the public with a different style of politics, they really will 'be the change' the country needs.