Don’t believe the reports – the Conservative Party is more united than ever

The Conservative Party is divided. Tensions which have been bubbling under the surface ever since David Cameron took power have at last boiled over.

Everyone is being separated into warring camps: mainstream or moderniser; pragmatist or romantic. Following the riots in our cities and the economic crisis in Europe, all opinions have been polarised, all arguments set at odds. 

And if it is war then the Cameron project is losing ground. Because the summer’s events, along with frustrations over Lib Dem influence in the coalition, have united Tories on the Right. Whether grassroots activists, Eurosceptics, or members of the 2010 intake - together they are calling on the Prime Minister to give up the progressive agenda. 

Or at least, that is the impression given by the Tory Conference.

And in truth the Parliamentary Party is doing little to counter it. Everywhere you look there are Cabinet Ministers undermining one another, backbenchers forming competing power blocks, or MPs publishing books with rival bids for the party’s future. This all adds to a sense that the Tories are fracturing.

But in fact the opposite is true. The Conservative party is stronger than ever. And these differences of opinion, even the divisions, show us why. 

First, the debate is testament to the intellectual richness of the Right.

The conservative party is the most vibrant place in politics right now, full of new ideas and radical policy proposals. From social reform to economic renewal, since coming to power the Tories have become even more ambitious in their efforts to remake the country.

Second, none of these divisions have damaged the party.

Despite opposition to spending cuts, anxiety over the Eurozone, and a series of embarrassing U-turns, the Conservatives remain in one piece. And, with Labour unable to land a punch, and Cameron by far the most popular leader of the three parties, Tories should have the confidence to disagree in public.

Third, the individual disagreements are proof of the party’s overall unity.

When everyone is largely in agreement, people get angry about the details. It is the People’s Front of Judea vs the Judean People’s Front. Because all Conservatives recognise that they did not do enough to win a majority in 2010 they understand the continued need to modernise, and to win over new areas of the electorate.

Debate and disagreement is the party’s strength. It demonstrates that the Conservative Party has moved outside its comfort zone. Although there are a number of Tories who feel that anything daring should be shelved until after 2015, this would be a mistake.

The Conservative Party must be brave. This is not electoral tactic. It is not even a political strategy. It is a moral imperative. 

Guy Stagg is a freelance journalist, based in London.  He tweets at @guystagg