David Davis has today launched 'the grassroots membership phase' of his leadership campaign. He visited the south London estate where he went to school. Painting his leadership rival as the 'heir to Blair' appeared to be his aim of the day. This is how the BBC, Derek Conway's favourite broadcaster, reported it:
"David Davis has said the Conservatives must offer a "starkly different alternative" to Labour rather than trying to be the "heir to Blair". Speaking at his old south London school, the 56-year-old argued for a "distinctive low-tax agenda for growth" and "real choice" in public services. The shadow home secretary's comments will be seen as a dig at his rival for the Tory leadership, David Cameron, 39. Mr Cameron's youth and style have led some to call him "Tory Blair"."
Mr Davis said that Britain must break with the Blair settlement by offering a radical programme of change. [Readers of conservativehome had a taste of that radical programme from Paul Goodman yesterday]. "So far the argument has largely about style," Mr Davis said, "what we are going to see in the next six weeks is that it will be about substance." Emphasising "resilience", "experience" and "principles", he said:
"Blair talks the Conservative game, I am a Conservative and I will be able to deliver real choice and real competition in healthcare and education because I won't have a chancellor that vetoes what I do."
The Press Association reported that Mr Davis won the enthusiastic backing of one pupil at his former school, Jessica Konadu, 16:
"Jessica had asked the would-be leader what he would do about busfares and shelters. Mr Davis admitted he would be powerless to improve things and his honesty helped win her over. "I hope he wins and if he does, I will vote for him,'' she said. "I thought he was great, honest. When I asked him my question, he answered with confidence. He's a local boy which is a good thing. He is one of us. I just hope he succeeds, he wins, he seems like a nice man.''
David Cameron also won a new backer today - Ray Mallon, the independent mayor of Middlesboro (popularly known as RoboCop). Mr Mallon issued the following statement through the Cameron Campaign:
"Something strange is happening here in the North East. People are getting excited about a Tory politician in a way I've never seen. Last Thursday, I was watching the evening news on TV and I saw David Cameron outside the House of Commons, shortly after he'd come top of the MPs' vote in the Conservative leadership contest. Something he said really struck a chord with me. He talked about his plans to offer a message of "change, optimism and hope". Later that evening, I was at one of the regular meetings I attend as Mayor of Middlesbrough. During the course of the event, I found myself recalling Cameron's words and I gently suggested that it might be a good thing if he won the Tory leadership election and became Leader of the Opposition. From the body language of the audience and comments afterwards it was clear they felt the same way."
David Cameron spent much of his day in the Commons; responding to the Government's education reforms. Mr Cameron was largely positive about the reforms - a sign, perhaps, of the more consensual style that he intends to pursue. Admirers would characterise the approach as grown-up; detractors might accuse it of being 'Blairite'.
Since the party lost power it as not remotely looked like an alternative government which it as to do if it is to have any chance of regaining power.
The party as to regain peoples respect that is why I fully support David Cameron when he doesn`t oppose the government just for the sake of opposing it.People respect this attitude far more than they do this insane punch and judy act that the Davis people seem intent on doing if they win.
Ray Malon as put into words what I feel many people feel about David Cameron.People want to have an alternative to Labour, they want to have an alternative government to Labour and people are rushing to support DC because they think he can deliver that.
Posted by: Jack Stone | 25 October 2005 at 21:31
Cameron's predecessor as Member for Witney has been far more consensual with Blair's policies and found himself so attracted to them he moved to St Helen's to get more in touch.
Posted by: Rick | 25 October 2005 at 21:41
Mallon has had an interesting career, to put it mildly. He endorsed the Labour candidate in the Hartlepool by-election and has made pro-Labour comments. He isn't an independent.
He also endorsed the North East Regional Assembly at a time when it was miles ahead in the polls - only to see it thrown out by the voters by 78% to 22%. He embodied the new grown-up consensus politics by leading a mob to the doors of the No Campaign office and shouting through the door about why "arrogant Tory toff southerners" should be driven out of the North East (see Northern Echo, Newcastle Journal for 28 Oct 2004).
Cameron's new best friend?
Posted by: Anti-Regional Assembly Man | 25 October 2005 at 21:44
Jack, if I want New Labour I'll vote New Labour, not Cameron. I've become unconvinced by DD but I'm still not interested in a Conservative-labeled Third Way, and those of you who embrace it are in for embarrassment in the future. (I'll take my embarrassment now and still refuse to fall in with the DC swoon-session.)
Posted by: buxtehude | 25 October 2005 at 23:45
I don't think Cameron is "New Labour" at all. He supports tax cuts and deregulation. He supports limiting the role of the state. He is eurosceptic. He supports tax breaks for married couples.
These things hardly set him out as a Blairite New Labour boy. The -presentation- may be more similar to Blair than Davis' is, I accept that. But I think Cameron's idea of not opposing for opposition's sake is a good idea. It's adult and mature. It accepts that governments can, from time to time, come up with relatively sensible policies. It then gives the opposition greater legitimacy over attacking bills and policies they have a large objection to.
Posted by: Elena | 26 October 2005 at 08:45
Its a cheap swipe at DC. I listened to David Cameron in an extended interview on Sky News on Monday where he talked mainly about the education bill. It was a joy to see a senior conservative on TV who came across as personable, nice and reasonable.
Its not Blairism, its being 'normal' in the eyes of ordinary people and talking in a language they can relate to, and in an up-beat tone that leaves people feeling positive about Conservatism. Thats not Blairism, it being a good politician, and if DD 'with all his experience' cannot understand that then... well it says it all really.
Posted by: Oberon Houston | 26 October 2005 at 09:20
This is what I'm finding in the North East - people like Cameron the man - they don't care about his background. A positive, optimistic, appealing and compassionate Conservative Party would really help us in Cities like Durham City, where voters have gradually shifted away from us to the Lib Dems.
I haven't found anyone yet enthusiastic for David Davis or his message and as a one time Davis supporter that genuinely has surprised me.
Posted by: michael | 26 October 2005 at 13:35