Diary – 17 February 2007

It’s finally dawned on me that my relationship with the Conservative party has irrevocably changed. Dave and his young, dynamic, thrusting team are simply not interested in me or my Neanderthal views. They couldn’t give a stuff what I think. And I don’t blame them. There are far more votes to be gained from stern disapproval of global warming and renewing my massive subscription to the NHS than in escape from Europe and tax cuts. There are millions out there even younger than Dave or the Spectator staff who couldn’t or didn’t vote last time and they must be the number one target. This is a great relief. I can reject Conservative requests for money with no feeling of guilt (I’ve obviously missed the peerage gravy train) and need only attend trendy Conservative balls if Bryan Ferry is the cabaret. Once you know you are unloved you can move onwards and upwards.