Barlow's brief

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Tories must learn from Labour's mistakes

Vic Barlow
21/ 5/2008

THE votes are in and the people have spoken. East Cheshire Conservatives will have an overwhelming majority in the new assembly (wherever that may be) but it would be wrong to conclude this was a vote for the brilliance of Tory policy…it was not.

The result was a mass expression of dissatisfaction with government incompetence: the inept child support agency, chaotic immigration, filthy hospitals, law and order, data protection and above all utter contempt for public opinion.

This was a smack in the face for a referendum on the EU the public wanted and a war in Iraq they did not.

It was outrage at government profligacy and ministerial arrogance.

An increasing number of voters found themselves alienated in their own country and the opportunity to express their anger was not to be missed.

An election result cannot be massaged and remains the only national statistic anyone actually believes.

Conservatives should have no doubts the same fate will follow should they fail to listen.

For too long an influential minority have been able to shape policy and fudge the outcome with scant regard to public opinion. It creates an unstable democracy when the majority believe themselves to be unrepresented.

Voters’ hopes have been transferred to the Tories…for now. Failure to deliver would create a dangerous political vacuum.

Sadly, opposition within Cheshire’s new assembly will be weak when it needs to be robust.

We can only pray that tenacious opposition will eventually arrive before local Tories start to believe in their own genius.

The views expressed on this page are Vic Barlow's and not necessarily those of the Express


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Most recent 1 of 1 user comments

   The vast majority of the public feel alienated by our Government. The Tories will fare no better, ultimately whoever is in charge is leading a country heading into terminal decline, decadence prevails, Britain is sinking into the abyss- get out while you can.
The Satisfied Customer
27/05/2008 at 03:55
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