Cameron arrived at the Tory Conference in an awkward atmosphere of muttering about his leadership and Boris fever. He can leave knowing that he has demonstrated two things; he is by far and away the best leader the Tory party has and Boris is a showman. There will be no more talk of stalking horses.
It is true that Ed Miliband’s performance caught everyone, his party and the media, by surprise for the sheer panache and eloquence of his performance. No longer is he the wrong brother. But though his oratory was remarkable and the One Nation slogan eye catching, there was little explanation of what this meant, how it would be achieved or where it would lead. Such is the luxury of Opposition.
Cameron, by contrast is Prime Minister, leading a nation in financial dire straits. His message was part personal and at times emotional, but it connected well with the best traditions of one nation Conservatism, which is a far cry from radical Thatcherism. What was impressive was the way he was able to join up all the policies, some controversial as we know, covering not only economics, but health, education, transport (ooh) and so on and show the initiatives not as individual reforms and improvements but all part of a central plan to keep GB in the premier league of advanced world powers. Whether this will connect to hard pressed families in the suburbs is hard yet to tell, but it is a clear coherent and inspiring message for ministers and activists to promote across the airwaves and doorsteps.
Now it is all over it can be said that all three leaders have come out of the party conference season with their status enhanced rather than diminished. None has scored a hit upon another but all look more permanent than they did before. It will be interesting to see what, if any, effect this has in the polls. It is unlikely that the Tories will slip further, unless of course a cabinet minister loses his temper…..
Cameron may have to revisit Plebgate. It is not going away.