David Cameron's poor performance at the dispatch box yesterday had nothing to do with 'first night' nerves and everything to do with a major split in the Shadow Cabinet. For some time now, the results of Tory focus groups have shown that Cameron's Tories are perceived as soft on crime and terror. Labour has had this confirmed over the last week by their own polling and by one or two well placed spies in the Tory camp.
Cameron's reply to the Queen's Speech yesterday was widely seen as a disaster. It was openly ridiculed by some members of his own front bench team who likened it to 'The Twelve Days of Christmas'. Others suggested his speech writers had taken bets to see how many song titles they could work into the speech. With David Davis said to be on the point of resigning from the Shadow Cabinet should the Tories be in this situation at all?
Doesn't David Davis have a point when he says "the public have got a memory; they'll remember the meltdown in our prisons systems; they'll remember the people killed by murderers on parole; they'll remember the immigration system in collapse."
Of course he has a point and of course the public will remember. But they'll also remember David Cameron's message on crime and law and order: to hug-a-hoodie and love-a-thug. And the Murdoch press, who mistakenly, Cameron doesn't think necessary to have on side, aren't likely to forget him siding with Plaid Cymru and the SNP in Plaid's recent call for an immediate inquiry into the Iraq war.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
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7 comments:
I agree that David Cameron needs to appear much tougher on crime, it's what the public wants. The "hug a hoodie" line is not really what people want to hear, even though the sentiment behind it has some merit, but it is not workable in our society, people are scared of the "hoodies", even though my sons both wear one, as I do myself.
The hug-a-hoodie thing taken in context is fine. In fact David Davies talked about a 'carousel of crime' at the Tory conference and said something quite similar. But when a hardman like DD says it, you know it's likely to be backed up with tough measures in other areas. When Mr Cameron says it, well ... need I say more. There's a perception that he is out of touch. I think he probably is. A snap election next year and it's goodnight Vienna for the 'Once Great Party'.
David Cameron does not inspire me, a classic floating voter, NuLab should be on the ropes Iraq War Disaster, Cash for Questions etc etc, Blairs analogy sadly is true Cameron is too lightweight to land a glove, and as leader of the opposition he fails to oppose.
I think Blair's analogy had something to do with the rumours that there had been threats of fisticuffs between senior Tories.
Advice to Cameron. Stick to what you know (delegation). Listen to Davis.
Message to DD, reach out to your supporters. Don't upset the applecart yet.
Very interesting. I might have to be cheeky and ask David Davis about this when he comes to my University tomorrow...
PT: I agree. I think David Cameron is trying to do a little too much and probably being badly advised.
Martine: Being cheeky will get you everywhere. If you get the chance to have a word with him get him to dish the dirt. Especially the stuff on Oliver.
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