One of Cameron's greatest legacies may be a new generation of Conservative MPs

The media tended to focus on the ethnicity and gender of the Tory candidates list. ConservativeHome has always been more interested in their ideology. In many ways they are the children of Margaret Thatcher. Just as the Iron Lady inherited the parliamentary parties of Ted Heath and Harold Macmillan David Cameron inherits a generation that cut its political teeth during the Thatcher years. The new intake is consequently very Eurosceptic and prioritises lower taxation and borrowing for example. In other ways they are Cameroon, strongly supporting the Conservative leader's commitments on protecting the NHS and fighting poverty. Some of their views, however, do not fit so easily with David Cameron. They are split on the future of the Union and combating climate change is their lowest priority. Cameron's promise to cut the number of MPs by 10% will mean massive boundary changes across the country. This will force MPs to pay close attention to the views of their local parties and electorates. The Whips will struggle to get MPs in very marginal seats to vote for tough spending control if it means the loss of significant local assets, such as a library or infrastructure project. There are other factors that will also cause a headache for the Whips' office as they marshall backbench MPs for late and controversial votes. Many of the new Tory MPs were selected despite being left off David Cameron's 'A List' of candidates. Many have fought seats for the second or third time and will not feel that their election owes everything to Cameron. Rightly or wrongly many veteran Conservative MPs also resent the Tory leader's failure to protect their interests during the expenses row.

Related link: ConservativeHome's surveys of the new generation of Conservative MPs