It looks as if this foolish idea has been abandoned. Once again it is an example of a Tory government falling foul of its reform ideology, regardless of whether the proposal is relevant or appropriate during an economic emergency. The Tory half of the coalition must take on board an important truth. It is the party of good government or it is nothing.
It has never been a progressive party of reform. Its mission has been to make things work after the reformers have had a go an ended in a muddle. Even Thatcher fell victim to this. Her radical plan to unravel all aspects of socialism and union power received broad support, especially from the working class. This was because everyone could see these ideas did not seem to work. Her support began to falter when her reforming zeal crossed certain lines voters draw in the sand to deter politicians. This included the de-regulation of busses, the privatisation of water, which almost everyone saw as a public resource, followed by the last straw, the poll tax. Her own party did the unthinkable and threw her out of Downing Street. Had it not done so the voters would have for certain.
To avoid electoral defeat in 2015, the Tories have to deliver an economically sound, better run Britain. If their reforms produce better schools achieving better outcomes, if the NHS really becomes patient focused and delivers a service based on care, not process, if welfare reform produces a fairer system which people support and understand, if the banks are re-structured to play a more constructive role in growing the economy and many other things as well, then, victory at the polls will beckon.
If, on the other hand things do not work better and echo the NHS internal market of the Major government or the botched rail privatisation of his perpetually quarrelling ministers, then May 2015 may be another black date in the history of the Tory party.