Way back at the start of the Cameron leadership, Tamzin Lightwater suggested in her Spectator column that Thatcherite and Tory were words not to be mentioned at Conservative Central Office. About a year ago, well before my blog had begun, I was having a debate with a fellow Conservative about the word Tory. I said we had to own and alter the Tory brand, he argued to bin it. My main argument was and is that whether we use it or not our opponents will continue to use the word "Tory" disparagingly. Rather than run away from the label, obviously, I prefer to embrace the term.
Tories Are Back
On these themes, there have been some very interesting developments. The chaos of the Blair backdrop has helped, but Margaret Thatcher is unquestionably becoming a legend in her own lifetime. She was rated as the best PM of the 20th Century in a poll of historians last August and now on the Daily Politics poll she is sweeping all other PMs aside with a full 65% of the vote. Tamzin Lightwater's column suggests the right-wing elite have cottoned on and Dave doesn't seem to mind being called a true Tory by friendly newspapers. We're Not So Old Either
In my book Tory and Conservative are interchangeable terms, but Tory is snappier. As such, I would like to introduce you to the newest blogging Tory. His handle is Brummietory. He might not be old enough to vote yet, but at the age of 17 he has just been appointed the Chairman of Kingstanding Neighbourhood Forum!!! Brummietory lives in Sion Simon's Birmingham Erdington seat (I know - it's too good to be true isn't it?), but he isn't the only young Conservative making a difference in that area. Birmingham's youngest councillor is 23 year old Robert Alden who won the Erdington ward from Labour last May. When you read through local anti-crime initiatives, you'd be forgiven for thinking that Robert's the only local politician trying to make a difference. More reasons why I'm proud to be called a Tory.
5 comments:
You've written a book - sounds interesting.
Yes, a nice little insertion there, Praguetory. Tell us more - do. Is it about nu Labour trolls perchance?
As for the term Tory - can't see what's wrong with it.
Robert Alden was an absolute star last October during the party conference too.
He chose to come and help in the evenings at the St Mary's church Social Action project rather than do the rounds of the bars in Bournemouth town centre.
Robert made a huge contribution to the success of the project, I would say more so than anyone else from outside of Bournemouth. Well done to him and well done to you Praguetory in highlighting his proactivity.
Just like the word Queer and the Gay lobby :)
I think you are right.
Here here, would a Tory by any other name speak as much sense?
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