Here’s the remark attributed to ‘a member of the Prime Minister’s inner circle’ according to the Telegraph:
“There’s really no problem,” the Conservative figure said about the parliamentary turmoil. “The MPs just have to do it because the associations tell them to, and the associations are all mad swivel-eyed loons.”
There is an obvious point here (and it’s the reason why whoever said it will soon be resigned): don’t diss your own supporters. ‘Thou shalt not speak ill of any fellow Republican,’ was Ronald Reagan’s 11th Commandment. It was as much a statement of survival as it was a declaration of loyalty.
But beyond that, the greatest sin committed here (as with any gaffe) is that it contains a substantial slab of truth. The Tory party is consumed by two issues — same-sex marriage and Europe — which matter greatly to them and much less so to most voters.
In the case of same-sex marriage, poll after poll shows most voters supportive. And in the case of Europe, where the Tories are closer to pubic opinion, the ferocity of their opposition is more likely to bemuse than inspire.
As I pointed out here, the party has spent a fortnight banging on and on about Europe at a time when the economic news is (relatively speaking) the best since the Coalition came to power. When you spend your time talking only about an issue that most voters rank low down their priorities and neglect the issue that will decide the next election… well, that’s the definition of obsession.
Many a wag on Twitter has been pointing out that all party activists are by definition “loons”. True enough. Tim Farron labelled Lib Dems “nutters” (affectionately) a few months ago: who else goes and delivers leaflets and knocks on strangers’ doors in all weather?
But there’s a more serious point where the Tories are concerned — after all, what does being a member of the Tory party actually mean? No say in policy-making, no voice at party conferences, increasingly no right to choose your own local candidate.
Whatever complaints Lib Dems may have about our internal party democracy (and yes, the leadership ignored members on secret courts), this much can be said: at least we still have the right to resign our membership in protest from the conference floor. You wouldn’t have even the chance to do that in the Tory party.
Membership is declining in all parties. As I wrote a few weeks ago:
The old political tribes are fragmenting. There are barely 350,000 card-carrying members of the main three parties today: Labour c.190,000 members, the Tories c.130,000, and the Lib Dems c.40,000. That’s one-tenth of what it was in the 1950s in the old and certain days of two-party politics. The nucleus that remain as dues-paying members today are disproportionately the most zealous, the most convinced; it’s unsurprising they’re finding it hard to come to terms with the politics of compromise, the new normal. …
Frustration: that’s what happens when ideologues bump up against the realisation their ideology doesn’t command majority support. And frustration is never a constructive catalyst. It’s usually irrational — and that’s just how the Tory party is reacting.
The less power you give party members, the more irresponsible their dwindling numbers become. As the Tory party is finding out, the hard way.
* Stephen was Editor (and Co-Editor) of Liberal Democrat Voice from 2007 to 2015, and writes at The Collected Stephen Tall.
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12 Comments
Sorry to be picky but those membership figures are not comparing like with like. I presume the 40,000 figure for Libdems is up to date but the 190,000 figure for Labour is from Xmas 2011, there no obligation to publish the 2012 figures till July.
The official Conservative position is that they dont count National Membership so all figures for them are rumours & estimates.
DC [sings]
“Send in the Clowns…….
Ooops! they’re already here!!! ” 🙂
Its not a gaffe, its simply a perceptive comment. I hope that Nick Clegg has the odd member of his inner circle capable of making accurate observations.
Truth hurts.
Surely Tory Party members never had any power? The old National Union was there to organise the envelope stuffers, not to make policy. That was the prerogative of central office, or more realistically the inner circle. Subject to no-one.
Although they have no policy influence, they seem to hold great sway over actual MPs votes. They have no greater power over this than LD members in 57 seats, but seem to use it more ruthlessly, and if the last 3 years has suggested anything, it’s that Commons votes trump policies.
Two thoughts on this.
One is that it iresistibly reminds me of John Major’s characterisation of some of his fellow Tories as ba****ds. I agreed then and I agree now.
The second is that an elected representative, unless he/she has a gold-plated safe seat, is most unwise to completely ignore supporters, needed for the next election campaign, even if they have no real political power.
Labour membership figures are always distorted by the Union levy process, people who are relectant members or not even aware that they are.
I think folks have completely misunderstood, why this ( Tory Party activists are swivel eyed loons ), comment has ‘surfaced’ now.
Cameron is on his way out. This comment is designed to raise the heckles of grass roots Tory activists. It’s part of the growing campaign, to show that Cameron is a blockage to the Tories winning outright in 2015. The blockage will be removed.
How I read this, is that not only will Cameron NOT be fighting the 2015 election, he may well find himself, sharing a meagre turkey drumstick with Tiny Tim by this Christmas.
It REALLY is about time that Nick reminded the country that the party of SWIVEL-EYED LOONS did not win the last election, and the press and their backbenchers better remember that, as they position themselves to ditch the coalition.
Apparently the person alleged to have dissed his fellow Tories is Lord Feldman of Elstree.
I remember fondly the talented swivel-eyed comedian and scriptwriter Marty Feldman.
I wonder if by any chance they are related.
@Ian Sanderson (RM3)
He denied it and stated that he was considering legal action (not sure who against though?).