Most debates about what the Tories should do are split between what’s right, and what would go down well to win elections. I believe that strong parties start with the former, and work up a way of converting it to the latter. This is why I disagree with James. Refusing to match Labour on health spending in 2010/11 has indeed left the Tories open to the accusation – levelled against Michael Howard in 2005 – that they’ll shut schools and hospitals. James regards this as an unnecessary hostage to fortune.
The Tories should no longer be afraid of this for three reasons. First, it’s a lie. Next, it is Labour that closes schools and hospitals, and Cameron should welcome a chance to remind the electorate of this. Thirdly, I suspect Labour will cut to near-zero NHS expenditure because it’s the easiest way to save money.
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