Articles and Speeches

Conservative Hearts in the Right Place
06-Oct-06, Windsor Express Article.

This year’s party conference has been an uplifting affair.

David Cameron and members of the shadow cabinet have set out a direction which not only takes into account economic prosperity but gives equal weight to the general well being of society. My own view is that the ultimate aim for politicians is to promote the greatest happiness of the greatest number of people and this conference has put that aim firmly on the Conservative party’s agenda.

Several Conservative MPs who were elected in 2005 – “Class-05” – published a book at conference, called “The Forgotten” which tackles issues such as diabetes, AIDS and children in care. My own contribution to the book tackles the stigma associated with mental health conditions. I am optimistic that as Conservative MPs begin to talk freely about issues which were until a few years ago largely hidden, effective, workable and, above all, compassionate solutions will be found.

The Conservative Party has always had a strong social justice agenda, and this conference has shown that Conservatives not only value economic prosperity, but they also have their hearts in the right place.