Diary – 15 May 2010

Alastair Campbell had a cynical term for the attempts to recruit Tories and others to Tony Blair’s big tent: ‘Operation Gobble’. In 1916, the Tories went into coalition with Lloyd George’s liberals. They gobbled them, spat out Lloyd George and reduced the Liberals to third-party status. In 1931, the Tories formed another coalition, with some Liberal and Labour MPs: also gobbled without trace. But after 1940, the wartime coalition enabled Clement Attlee to appear prime ministerial, thus helping to win Labour a huge majority in 1945. So this time, who will gobble whom? Thus far, Tory opinion is divided. A lot of MPs are delighted, especially the new ones. After 13 years of despair and wilderness, their leader is in Downing Street. Others feel that it would have been worth waiting another few months to attain real power. David Cameron could have made the Liberals an offer which was just short of acceptable. A Lib/Lab coalition would then have faltered and squabbled, failed and fallen. There will be endless material for the virtual historians, and the arguments will never be resolved. But when the early euphoria is dissipated by the economic difficulties, Mr Cameron will have to ensure that he keeps the sane right happy. He must also avoid becoming so all-immersed in governing that he forgets politics.

Canvassing is frequently exasperating. A key marginal, with every candidate spewing out literature. Some wry complaints from householders that their front door was almost jammed by political junk mail. Then you come across the professional complainer, who insists that he has heard nothing from anyone. You have to hold back on the incredulous scorn. The complainant has a vote, even if he sounds as though he would like to cast it against all the parties. Judging by my experience this time, Chris Patten’s dictum still holds true: men with tattooed forearms are safe Tory voters.