CONFERENCE SPECIAL
OSBORNE’S BUDGET SQUEEZE AND FUEL FREEZE
STORY OF THE DAY
WE HEAR THAT… For ambitious backbenchers seeking a berth in Government, there is news of a potential vacancy: "If I'm still planning minister after the next election, I want you to shoot me," Nick Boles MP told a ConHome fringe with gusto. Former Justice Secretary Ken Clarke MP has revealed he intends to run again for Parliament in 2015 (when he'll be 74), saying it'll be "the midterm of his career". Staff at the Sky party were spotted trying to flog brownies with cabinet ministers' faces on: “we've got loads of Theresa May left, no-one seems to want her!".
TWEET OF THE DAY
The Chancellor sprung a surprise yesterday – a pledge to freeze fuel duty to 2015 “if we can find the savings”. Freezing prices can be very popular as Ed Miliband proved last week, and the Chancellor’s move shows the Tories are determined not to be outflanked on “cost of living” issues. However, while the fuel duty cut was Osborne’s dose of populism, this was not a populist speech. The caveat to the fuel duty cut – that it will only happen if the money is available - was in keeping with the Chancellor’s overall message. The spending squeeze will stay on. Pledging to achieve a budget surplus in the next Parliament, while keeping taxes at present levels, commits a future Conservative Government to very stringent controls on spending and further welfare cuts. It is also a pledge Labour will not match. Today, Boris Johnson is in town to blow away the fog of continued austerity. Don’t look here for controversy though: the London Mayor is said to be on best behaviour.
TODAY’S KEY EVENT The theme of this afternoon's session is 'Education and Health', where the Coalition's reforms have been at their most divisive. Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt MP will hope that a £50 million pilot scheme to extend GP opening hours and allow consultations to take place over the phone, to accommodate 'hardworking people' will increase trust in the Conservatives’ running of the NHS.
Daily Bulletin 2013
@FelicityMorse George Osborne's hair lends a whole new meaning to fringe meeting #cpc13 pic.twitter.com/NvABpxiQBp
A GOOD DAY FOR...
Karren Brady. The West Ham vice-chairman and star of The Apprentice yesterday gave an assured speech to delegates about entrepreneurship, before introducing the Chancellor as "the right man with a plan". The Chancellor duly appointed her as the Government's Small Business Adviser. As someone who has previously admitted to political ambitions Brady’s appointment could be mutually beneficial for both the Conservatives’ and her prospects.
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A BAD DAY FOR…
Boris Johnson. Last year Boris arrived at Conference to a rock star's welcome, with rumours of his leadership ambitions overshadowing the entire proceedings. While his popularity remains in no doubt, he has been at pains to stress his support and 'admiration' for David Cameron at every opportunity. It seems Lynton Crosby's influence can (temporarily) tame the biggest beasts in the party.
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