David Cameron has got his bike back.

David Cameron, tough on bike crime - tough on the perpetrators of bike crime.

On a serious note, David has got his "old friend" back. Full story HERE.

David Cameron's speech to the CBI 15th July 2008.

Speaking at the CBI, David Cameron said:

"In March, I gave a speech about the Conservative strategy to deal with the deteriorating financial situation. The immediate backdrop was the credit crunch and the crisis in the city. The credit crunch has now spread - from the City and into every home and business in Britain. Hundreds of thousands of families have the threat of negative equity hanging over them - and their future security.

Businesses are cutting back and unemployment creeping up. And people are desperately trying to make ends meet because of the rising cost of living. I hear it in the conversations I have, the emails I read, the letters I get. At first, they were angry - angry with a Government that seemed to be ignoring that there was a problem with the economy...

…that the cost of living was rocketing and the housing market was falling.

Recently, the tone has shifted. Now, people are just incredibly worried - worried about their families and worried about their future.

The other week, I got this email from Janie Anderson.

She said:

"I work 40 hours a week, my husband 48. My salary doesn't quite pay the mortgage each month. It is currently costing us £70 for fuel (between us) each week to get to work. We had two cars, we now have the one because of the running costs. My husband works nights and me days so we can car share, we pass each other in the hallway in the morning and again in the evening… We have brought up our kids, we should be starting to enjoy ourselves but this is not possible because of the high living costs."

Janie's story is the real economy.

Not a place of statistics that this Government loves trotting out - but one of lived experiences.

Not a place of academic theories that so obsess Gordon Brown - but one of people's hopes and ambitions, and fear and anxieties.

Janie - and others up and down the country in her situation - don't want sympathy.

They just want to know - what are you going to do?

How are you going to turn things around?

You can read David's full speech by clicking HERE.

William Hill - Conservative landslide at General Election.

From William Hill:

BROWN BACKED TO GO THIS YEAR AS TORY LANDSLIDE ODDS HALVED

WILLIAM Hill have halved the odds about the Conservatives winning a landslide victory at the next General Election - cutting the odds about them winning 375 or more seats from 5/1 to 5/2 - while Gordon Brown has been shortened from 3/1 to 11/10 to leave office during 2008. He is 5/4 to go in 2010, 4/1 in 2009. Brown is also 5/6 NOT to lead Labour into the next General Election.

JOINT FAVOURITES FOR GLASGOW EAST

LABOUR are 5/6 joint favourites to win the Glasgow East by election with William Hill, despite reportedly havcing to find another candidate. Hills also offer the SNP at 5/6 and have the Tories and Lib Dems both at 50/1.

NEXT SCOTS LAB LEADER

William Hill make Andy Kerr 2/5 favourite to be the next Scottish Labour leader. They also offer 4/1 Margaret Curran; 6/1 Iain Grey; 14/1 Cathy Jameson; 20/1 Charlie Gordon.

HALTEMPRICE ODDS

JILL SAWARD, standing as an Independent candidate, has been backed to receive more votes than any candidate at the Haltemprice by election other than David Davis, with William Hill cutting her from 33/1 to 5/1 joint second favourite in the market in which Hills make Green candidate S Oakes 2/5 favourite, with National Front candidate Culnane 5/1. The Monster Raving Loony Party is 50/1 with former pop star Ronnie Carroll at 66/1.

TORIES HOT FAVOURITES

THE CONSERVATIVES are 1/ 4 favourites to win the next General Election with Hills who make Labour 11/4 - their longest odds since winning power - and the Lib Dems 100/1.

Has Gordon Brown lost control of his Government?

Judging on last night's vote over the scrapping of the "John Lewis list", I think we can safely say that Gordon Brown has lost control of his Government. The vote would have also submitted MPs' claims to external audit, but over 140 Labour MPs voted against the reforms. 33 of them were ministers and another two were Gordon Brown's parliamentary private secretaries.

The reason I suggest that Brown has lost control, comes from the pathetic excuse he gave for not attending the vote. From the Andrew Sparrow at the Guardian:

Downing Street said today that Brown did not attend the Commons to vote because he had important government meetings and because he knew the option he favoured was going to be defeated by a significant majority.

This was a free vote, so Brown could claim that his own MPs could vote against him. However, It has been alleged that "Government whips were seen nodding Labour MPs through the lobbies in support of the anti-reform amendment". This of course means that the Whips were directing Labour MPs to vote against the Prime Minister's wishes. So who is in charge of the Government? Gordon Brown or the Labour Party Whips? It looks for all the world to be the Whips. And I'm afraid that on such an important decision "I was busy" is not good enough from the Prime Minister.

David Cameron said: "There is an urgent need for reform, which is why I led my shadow cabinet to vote against the John Lewis list. "Gordon Brown also had a real opportunity to show leadership and vote for change but once again he bottled it. "On the one hand, he expresses disappointment at last night's result, yet he didn't even turn up for the vote. His excuse that he was in a meeting is utterly feeble, particularly when his whips were herding people in to wreck the reforms."

Mugabe looks foward to a Conservative Government.

Jason Brown, Founder of The Political Wire has posted an interesting article on Robert Mugabe's sudden found love for the British Conservatives:

After months of bad news for the Prime Minister, there is finally some good news for Gordon Brown, Robert Mugabe’s stooges have come out in support of the Conservatives party. Sam Akaki, a journalist for the government’s mouthpiece, the Harare Herald, claims that the British government has engineered Zimbabwe’s descent into chaos:

For Mr Akati, the solution to all this unfair and nasty bullying of the Mugabe regime is the return of a Conservative government.

Only with the Conservative Party in power in the UK can that country hope to salvage its rapidly deteriorating relationship with Zimbabwe and Africa.

Isn’t it now plainly clear that the British relationship with Zimbabwe in particular and Africa in general will not improve until the Conservative Party takes over in the United Kingdom?

Quite what he hopes David Cameron will do isn’t clear. Perhaps this is a sign of how desperate Mugabe’s regime has become that it is getting its stooges to support anyone who is against the current British government.

Does Mugabe seriously think that anyone in the UK - whether they oppose the government or not - will support him? I don't think David Cameron will be sharing a long hot shower with Mugabe anytime soon.

I recommend that you read Jason's full post by clicking HERE.

Would you volunteer to pay more tax?

There is not much doubt that our next government will be a Conservative one. There is also little doubt that David Cameron will inherit massive public spending and an outrageous amount of debt. Especially if, as some pundits believe, Labour initiate a scorched earth policy.

So to the point: something rather drastic is going to have be done to get the economy back on track. Cutting spending is one option, but as we know Cameron will be pretty much stuck with Labour spending plans. Raising taxes cannot contemplated in the current economical climate. Of course there is a ridiculous amount of waste that can be cut out, which will be George Osborne's first task as Chancellor - along with the rest of our new ministers.

This morning I came up with a radical idea whilst driving to work listening to Radio 5. What if David Cameron asked us to volunteer to pay more tax? I'm not talking about a lot individually, maybe 1, 2 or 3%. To tell the truth I am in no way a wealthy man, however the recent cut in tax from 22% to 20% made very little difference to my wage packet. Obviously there would be the option to opt back out at any time.

What do you think? If enough people were to volunteer, it would benefit the entire nation. Now, I understand this will get a lot of people (who think they pay too much tax already) hot under the collar, but it would be by personal choice only.

There could be incentives to take part, even if it is just the feel good factor. Or maybe financial incentives to be paid out when the economy recovers?

What do you think? Please try not to swear too much in the comments. Obviously I wouldn't volunteer to do this under a Labour government - they'd only blow it on pointless reviews.

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David Cameron - Pro England - Pro The Union.

In his speech to the Scottish Conservative Party Conference, David Cameron tried to convey his feelings that whilst there is a political imbalance across the United Kingdom which needs desperately to be addressed, the Union should be protected. You may have noticed that the banner at the top of my blog says "pro England" That is still true today as when it was designed for me by Liam Murray a good while ago (Liam also designed Iain Dale's new blog). In my mind being pro England does not necessitate the need to be anti any of the other members of the Union. I have lived and worked in Scotland and have a daughter born there. I served in the RN for 16 years and worked alongside many great friends from all four of the countries that make up our Kingdom. The Union just requires a measure of balance.

David said:

"Let me make it one hundred percent clear: I am passionate about the Union. I don't want to be the Prime Minister of England. I want to be Prime Minister of the United Kingdom - all of it, including Scotland.

"I absolutely believe we are stronger together, and weaker apart, and I will do anything and everything to keep our two countries as one. And that means addressing one-by-one the deeper questions that are fuelling separatism.

"Now, there are some would simply blame constitutional and economic arrangements between England and Scotland. 'Sort out West Lothian, renegotiate Barnett, and everything will be fine' they say. Sorry, I don't think that's an adequate explanation for the separatism we're seeing today.

"The West Lothian question and Barnett Formula have been around and been debated for decades - don't tell me it's only now that they've lit the separatist touchpaper. Of course, that doesn't mean we should ignore them. It's essential that we find answers to any unfairness in the Union - and to questions of accountability, justice and democracy. And unlike Labour - who sweep it under the carpet and hope it goes away - we will take those questions seriously. I am confident it will be possible to develop an arrangement whereby, when the House of Commons considers matters that affect only English constituencies, it is English MPs who have the decisive say.

I've said before that the Conservatives under David Cameron do not provide all the answers to all the problems we have with the Union, but they are willing to admit that they exist. Cameron and his team do want find a solution to the English votes on English matters problem. He also understands the need to address the many inequalities that have arisen since the birth of devolution. One thing is for sure, the next government of the UK will be either a Conservative or Labour (looking less likely by the day) one and I know that Labour have no intention of addressing English concerns. Many complain that Cameron does not promise enough or go far enough when he does talk about the problems with the Union - and to some extent I agree. But I will not throw the baby out with the bath water.

The only realistic way to see a better deal for England is to vote Conservative.

Simon Heffer - A little bitter are we?

I've just read Simon Heffer's article in the Telegraph. He's not a happy bunny - not happy at all. He is a little upset that David Cameron is not Tory enough for him. Let's be straight about this; this not Heffer questioning Cameron's motivation - it is an attack on the man Heffer never fancied for the job.

This is a bitter little article penned by a man who cannot put his hand up and say "I was wrong". He claims that "the Conservative party still stands for very little". Well if that is true Simon, why are the only policies coming out of this Labour government, policies stolen from the Tories? Even today Brown will be announcing more Tory policies. It is time that Heffer and all the other Cameron haters shut the hell up - it's getting bloody embarrassing.

I and many others have joined the Conservative party not because they are traditional Tories. We have joined because we genuinely believe that they have the right ideas for getting the country back on track. Heffer - get a bloody grip - old Conservatism is just that - old.

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David Cameron goes after Gordon Brown on 10p tax.

At his monthly press conference David Cameron made it clear he was going after Gordon Brown on the 10p tax fiasco. With the Crewe & Nantwich seat up for grabs on the 22nd May he told the assembled press that overturning Labour's 7000 majority was the party's "top campaigning priority":

Obviously it's going to be a tall order but we will give it our best shot. We have a strong local candidate and a real focus from the entire organisation.We've made a strong start, first out of the blocks, our message being delivered right across the constituency.Our message will focus in particular on the 10p tax rate and how Gordon Brown is hurting the people of Crewe with tax increases just as their cost of living is going up.

David also talk about how he and Boris were to meet with Mayor Bloomberg of New York this week. The meeting will focus on education and Mayor Bloomberg's strong record in turning around failing schools in New York City. In a dig clearly aimed at Gordon Brown's dithering David said:

After our excellent election results last week people are saying: what next from the Conservatives?How are you going to build on your success?And how will you respond to the increased scrutiny you will now receive as the alternative government in waiting? I want to give a clear answer to that question today.First let me explain something fundamental about how I see the job of Prime Minister,I don't think you achieve very much as Prime Minister unless you have an incredibly clear idea about what you want to achieve and how you'll go about it.You've got to have a plan, and that plan has to have a sense of focus. You can't do everything at once - and you shouldn't try.You've got to focus on what you think is most important, and you've got to be pretty stubborn in going for it - and not letting yourself be blown about by events.

I have a good feeling about the way Boris and David are going to sort this country out. Boris is assembling a great team and both he and David are making alliances with people who have achieved results and not made empty promises.

You can read David's full speech by clicking HERE.

David Cameron - Boris wins video - London Mayor.

Here is a video showing David Cameron celebrating Boris Johnson's London Mayor Election win. Here is a top tip for team Cameron: get David on the TV more often in these behind the scenes moments. The more I see him, the more I'm sure about the party's future.

Magic our Boris!

Local Elections - 2 hours to go - Vote Conservative!

You have just less than 2 hours to vote in your local election. Mrs G and I both voted at lunchtime and there looked to be a steady flow into our polling station. I think the general discontent with Gordon Brown and Labour is really energising people to vote. I'll be up all night watching the results come in and blogging as it all happens.

See my prediction HERE.

Now get out there and vote. If the Lisbon Treaty gets ratified, this could be your last chance to vote in a real election.

Thursday's elections - How the day will be won. (local and Mayor).

It's the evening before the day we have been waiting for. Tomorrow could be make or break time for Gordon Brown. Iain Dale is predicting the Conservatives will gain more than a hundred seats in the local elections and that Boris will win by 3-5%. On Boris I agree - on the local elections I disagree: I am expecting a total and utter demolition job of Labour. Every single person I have talked to is supremely incredibly exceedingly hacked browned p*ssed off with Gordon Brown and his incompetent Cabinet. I have total confidence that tomorrow will bring a crushing defeat that Labour will not be able recover from for many, many years.

There are two possible outcomes following tomorrows results:

As I have been predicting since last year, the Labour party will get rid of Gordon Brown in an attempt to save their own necks.

Or, David Cameron will be in a position to call for the vote of no confidence in the government that many have been calling for.

So my prediction: Boris to win. And a slaughter in the local elections.

Conservatives - 18 point lead in YouGov Poll.

How long do you give Gordon Brown? The Conservatives now have an 18 point lead in the latest YouGov poll for the Daily Telegraph. Labour are down three per cent on a pathetic 26 points. Even the Lib Dems managed to get 17 per cent - it won't be long before Labour become the nations third party (unless they dump Gordon of course). The Conservative 18 point lead is the largest since 1987, and I've got a feeling that the gap is going to widen. No doubt, so do many Labour MPs who are now trying to choose between Gordon Brown and their mortgage repayments. Out of interest, this poll gives Cameron a 50 plus majority.

Happy days.

David Cameron goes back to School.

I enjoyed watching this video. It shows that some Schools can get it right and the education system is not beyond saving. The one thing I noticed was that the children were in uniform. I've read recently that many Heads are telling us that a strict uniform policy is a real boost to behaviour and productivity in the classroom. I'd like to see a return to blazers and ties in all Schools.

David Cameron has a message for The Daily Mirror (cycling).

Click to enlarge.

David Cameron - Behind the scenes in Gateshead Video.

David Cameron's Spring Conference Speech - Family.

David Cameron gave his Spring Conference Speech today. The speech was entitled "Yes, we can get the change we really want". The main focus of the speech was how family is the most important thing in his life and how family can mend our broken society. Personally I don't think that the breakdown of the family is the largest contributor to our broken society, in my opinion, it is the fact that many in our society no longer feel SHAME for their actions.

Here is a section from David's speech:

"Today I want to talk to you about a simple ambition that I have for our country. It's at the heart of what I believe, and what I believe our country needs. My ambition is to make Britain more family-friendly. To make our country a better place to bring up children. Not just because it's the right thing to do, not just because my family is the most important thing in my life, but because families should be the most important thing in our country's life.Why? We all know why. Because those kids at the end of the street, causing mayhem, smashing up the bus shelter…we know what the problem is. It goes back to the home, the way they were brought up, the lack of a strong family to teach them that you just don't behave like that. It's families. Those young people who leave school without qualifications, expecting nothing but a life on welfare. We know what the problem is. The problem is they never had that strong family saying: go on, try hard at school, do your homework, make something of your life. Those people in jail, time after time, addicted to drugs and unable to break free of their habit and a life of crime. We know what the problem is. It's families and be clear: there are single parents, divorced parents, widows - all working hard to keep their families together, to keep their children on track. The modern Conservative Party is the party of families, and we need to support them all.

You can read the full speech by clicking HERE.

Budget, GPs & Economy - Brown and Darling are incompetent and untrustworthy.

I woke up this morning to my Blackberry alerting me to three press releases, all of them were in some way critical of Gordon Brown and Alistair Darling. The first from the Press Association described how 59% of those questioned in a YouGov survey were sceptical about the Government's anti-pollution justification for taxes on motoring and flying. The survey found that most people believed that Darling's "green taxes" on flights and 4x4s (to be announced in tomorrows budget) are mainly to fill the government's coffers - not to encourage us to be greener. As George Osborne points out, this will always be public opinion if Brown and Darling do not promise to use the money collected to reduce tax in other areas.

The second news alert from George Monbiot of the Guardian accuses the Government of a "bare faced lie" over the GP opening hours saga, George says:

The government launched its campaign a year ago, with a press release published by the Department of Health. This claimed that a report by the Cabinet Office, published the same day, "reveals that nine out of 10" people polled "said they want public services, such as GP surgeries, that are open some evenings and weekends, even if that means they would sometimes be shut during the working week". This was reported verbatim by the press, but it was a complete fabrication. I have read the report. It contains no mention of this poll or anything resembling it. The terms "surgeries", "evening", "weekend" and "working week" do not occur.

George tells us of a massive survey of 2.6 million people carried out at the time of the government's press release. The government did not like the results of the survey. It found that 84% of those questioned were satisfied with the hours their GP practice was open during the last six months". These results were duly ignored and the government pressed on. The reason? Well according to George it's all to do with Business wanting to take over the 40% of the economy controlled by the state - and Gordon is finding sneaky ways to give it to them. Please read George's article, he explains all.

The third news alert (from the Independent) told how those same business leaders are losing faith in Gordon Brown and Alistair Darling's ability to run the British economy through the troubled waters ahead of us. A poll of top businessmen and women carried out by ComRes produced some exceedingly damaging results for Brown and Darling. Three quarter of those business leaders believed the Cameron/Osborne team were most able to "steer the economy through global economic turbulence." Confidence in Brown and Darling has fallen to 20 and 11 per cent respectively, whilst Cameron and Osborne's confidence ratings are at 62 and 56 per cent. Most damning of all is the fact that only 17% of those questioned thought that Darling understood business and 67% believed him to be out of his depth.

Just one more thing (because I really don't like him):

Ipsos MORI found the net satisfaction rating of Nick Clegg, was minus three points: lower than Sir Menzies Campbell (+6) and Charles Kennedy (+13) after they had led the party for two months.

Nick Clegg - I'm really starting to dislike him.

If David Cameron decided to jump off a cliff, there's a chance that he may survive - right up until the point that Nick Clegg lands on top of him. I don't mind politician's stealing the odd good idea, but Nick Clegg is blatantly copying everything that Cameron says he's going to do. It's like the kid who hasn't done his homework and just copies his mate's work - changing a few words to avoid plagiarism.

David Cameron's Military Covenant Commission.

David Cameron held a press conference this morning to announce the launch of Commission to look at ways of restoring the Military Covenant, the special agreement between the Armed Forces and the Nation. Being an ex-serviceman this is a subject close to my heart and I can assure you that the covenant has been broken. David Cameron said:

"Over the decades, our Armed Forces have fully honoured their part in the Military Covenant. It is time that we as a nation think about how we can better fulfil our side of the deal."

If you feel that you have something to add to the commission, they are asking that you do just that. To play a part in mending the covenant please click on the banner above and then click on the "Your views" tab.