Public gives Brown verdict…

Things are certainly going David Cameron’s way. I reported a few days ago that every major poll since October 2005 has favoured a Cameron led Conservative Party over a Brown led Labour Party. The Economist argues, that the misgivings many Labour figures have about Brown’s credentials are now being reflected by the public. While his colleagues argue that he is the most successful Chancellor in modern times, a political and intellectual heavyweight, the Economist explains that this is only half the story…

What increasingly worries ministers, and those Labour MPs in southern seats whose majorities hang by a thread, is that, unless he can reveal a different side to his personality, dour, stiff, slightly odd Mr Brown will struggle to reach those aspiring middle-class voters whom Mr Blair could still just about deliver in 2005.

The other point I have made repeatedly and that the Economist also identifies, is that the public is tired of being apathetic and irritated by a Government that has failed to live up to expectations, and are looking for a change. Gordon Brown can’t disassociate himself with the last ten years, and for all his qualities, change is not something he appears capable of.

Meanwhile two left-wing candidates have launched their campaigns for the leadership. Their radical policies, including widespread renationalisation, are an invite for the Conservatives to take the centre-ground.