Mainstream vs Liberal Conservatives

Tim Montgomerie is on maneuvers again and, as tends to be the case when Tim’s on patrol, it’s worth listening to what he says. At ConservativeHome and in the Times (£) he outlines what he sees as a divide between “Mainstream” and “Liberal” Conservatism. In part this is simply a matter of using the grass-roots to keep the party leadership “honest” and in part it’s an attempt to head off any talk of electoral pacts in 2015 that might see the coalition run for a second term. All of which is fine and dandy.

Nevertheless, the divide between Mainstream and Liberal may not be as clear as Tim suggests. For instance, he writes:

Later in this parliament the Tory Party must choose one of two futures: liberal Conservatism or mainstream Conservatism. Both are viable electorally but they are very different. One takes the party away from its grassroots and traditions; the other demonstrates a belief that authentic conservatism is still a potent force.

[…]The vast majority of party members, in contrast, are frustrated with the leadership’s unwillingness to argue for traditional Conservative positions.