Switch to an accessible version of this website which is easier to read. (requires cookies)

Tory leadership contest won't change problems with party and policy

October 3, 2005 4:14 PM
Conservative (Tory) Torch logo

Tory leadership contest won't change problems with party and policy

The beginning of the Tory Party conference today saw the leadership hopefuls campaigning for votes, whilst the party's chairman warned the party must change or die. Conservative chairman Francis Maude cautioned grassroots members not to sit back and simply wait for the political pendulum to swing back in their favour. However, three quarters of Tory supporters believe that the contest to succeed Michael Howard has shown the Conservative Party to be desperately short of strong leaders, according to a Populus poll for The Times.

The Conservatives always think a new leader will solve their problems - but it didn't with Hague, Duncan Smith or Howard. Whoever they elect, changing the leader won't solve the Conservative Party's problems. Their problems are their policies, and the party itself. Whoever becomes leader, they remain split down the middle, and out of touch with the public, leaving the Liberal Democrats as the only effective opposition.

What would you like to do next?

  • Subscribe for updates

    Read updates from this website in your desktop or online news reader

    • On a news reader website

      •  
      •  
      •  

      In a desktop news reader or a website not listed above

      •  
    • Example monthly digest email
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your contact details, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting


    • Generate different image

    Join our email list

    • If you submit your contact details, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting


    • Generate different image

    Follow the party's activity on...

  • Share this page

    Share this page on another website

    Link to this page

    On websites and printed material:
    birminghamlibdems.org.uk/en/article/2005/046613/tory-leadership-contest-won-t-change-problems-with-party-and-policy
    In text messages, Twitter, or reading over the phone:
    birminghamlibdems.org.uk/a3215

    Email this page to a friend


    • Generate different image
  • Help out or donate

    Help out in your local area

      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your contact details, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting


    • Generate different image
  • Tell us what you think

    Send us your views

    • If you agree, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image