Consensual Cameron wins Peter Luff MP's backing

The brief 7/7-related pause in the Tory leadership race has ended with David Cameron promising a less confrontational style of politics.

ePolitix.com reports remarks by David Cameron on the “opposition mentality”. Mr Cameron agreed with George Osborne that Tories were wrong to oppose tuition fees and foundation hospitals in the last parliament. Mr Cameron said:

"I think we've had a problem, if you like, that often Tony Blair has said, and very occasionally he's done, Conservative things and sometimes we've struck a discordant note because we've been looking for reasons to oppose them. And instead, much better to stick to your principles and ask yourself the question 'is this a measure that is in the long-term interests of the country, is it something that will help deliver the dynamic economy that we all want, will it deliver a decent society that we want to see in this country, does it accord with Conservative principles? And if it ticks all those boxes then you should support it."

Mr Cameron’s campaign is further boosted this morning by news that Peter Luff MP is supporting his leadership bid. The decision of Mr Luff, a centrist, will disappoint Ken Clarke’s ambitions.

Comments

[James Hellyer]

"Do the right wing posters not realise that Cameron would be a more right wing leader than Davis because Davis will be forced to the left if he wants to be taken seriously.

"Triangulation, only way to win."

I don't think so Edward. Someone who is naturally right of centre will always be more inclined to put forward rightist solutions to issues.

I think this is clear in Cameron and Davis's respective comments on education - no choice versus school choice.

[Edward]

Yes David Davis will be more likely to put forward right wing solutions, but when he does so he will be mauled by the BBC, broadsheet media and both other parties. He will be set up as a right of maggie lunatic.

The only way for Davis to become PM is to lead the conservative party with more left wing policies because that protects HIM. David Cameron's more moderate demeanour and approach would allow him to introduce more right wing policies whilst seeming measured and sensible.