David Cameron has been described as "cartoonish" and a "confused social democrat" by the men who plucked his "philosopher-king" Philip Blond from obscurity.
The men who plucked Cameron’s “philosopher-king“, Philip Blond, from obscurity have rounded on the Tory leader for the “cartoonish depiction of the state” in his party conference speech and for being a “confused social democrat”.
Demos Director Richard Reeves and Chair of Trustees Philip Collins have used their sharp pens in Prospect to criticise David Cameron’s approach to tackling inequality. In the current edition, out today, they write:
“Cameron’s new ‘egalitarian’ platform is full of holes…
“He is signing himself up to Labour-style poverty and inequality measures, even as he rejects Labour-style redistribution. In other words, he is setting his own big trap, and trotting gamely towards it.”
Reeves took over at Demos in September 2008 and quickly launched their Progressive Conservatism project at an event which featured speeches from both David Cameron and Philip Blond. Blond left Demos in June citing “political and philosophical differences” to set up his own think tank ResPublica but the programme continued under the leadership of former Conservative party policy advisor Jonty Olliff-Cooper. Philip Collins is a former speech writer to Tony Blair who fell out of favour with the Government after the publication of a June 2008 article for Prospect titled ‘Liberalise or die‘.
The article in the current edition of Prospect goes on to say:
“the best counter to Cameron did come from Labour’s Liam Byrne, whose speech on the ‘smarter state’ to the Institute for Government in November argued that countries with ‘big’ civil societies almost never had smaller states. Even within the US, liberal Minnesota has higher spending, and more civic engagement, than conservative Mississippi.”
This blog has previously outlined the problems with David Cameron’s selective approach to poverty and inequality.
25 Responses to ““Cartoonish” Cameron the “confused social democrat””
Will Straw
Hey Anon,
How do you know how much activity the activists for Labour, Lib Dem or Green who write on this blog are putting in? My guess is more than you think.
All the best,
Will
Anon E Mouse
Will – My point is you’re not doing it properly and you’re going to lose the next election big time by being active in the wrong places.
You need to be inclusive like Blair but you’re not being and I don’t know why – especially you personally Will. The reason Blair was so successful was Mondeo Man / Worcester Woman – whatever, he just got it and Labour no longer does.
You need to be smarter – not in a Clinton third way thing though – this blog is beginning to buzz now – try to get more people onside rather than alienate them.
The blogs getting good though dude – I always used to start with Guido then Iain Dale then here. I start here first now and I’m not alone.
I’ve said it before – if this post seems too personal to you Will just delete it, I won’t be offended.
Take care fella.
Liz McShane
Anon – thanks for being candid and understanding. I am quite realistic about the outcome at the next general election although still an optimistic at hear. Just hope it’s not 3 terms of Tory government though.
p.s I always take the bus (never got to pass my driving test – probably for the best although I will be joining Peter Mandelson soon as I am awaiting the delivery of a Brompton bike!
Liz McShane
Anon – why don’t you give it one more go if you really don’t want a Tory government. The Labour Party is still a very broad church and maybe your views and activity might be very timely and well received and the spur that it needs!
Anon E Mouse
Liz – I just want a government that represents what people want and sticks to it’s pledges regardless of the popularity hit they will take.
I just cannot stand Cameron – too smooth for me, not blunt enough.
Just retake your driving test Liz – those electric cars will be the rage in London soon and you can avoid the congestion charge if you drive one.
I have to drive 16 miles to work and once the prices on electrics are down I will get one myself – I hate the pollution from petrol, it’s nothing to do with that Global Warming religion.
The Labour Party is a broad church I agree. On Tuesday I was having a drink with a guy who had worked with Derek Hatton many years ago and he now votes Lib Dem (not Deggsy!) so the church is indeed broad.
In the meantime I have another six days,(twelve hour minimum a day) straight at work so have to head off. Don’t be self employed!
Have a good day woman and if anything I say offends you it isn’t intentional.