" It is difficult to find Conservatives willing to say privately that they will still be in power after polling day."
Just when the economy is picking up, strategic
differences at the very top are taking their toll
Conservative MPs are troubled – and the recovery is doing nothing to lift their spirits. On Thursday, in his Autumn Statement, the Chancellor will announce that the economy is indeed going gangbusters, just as his team predicted 10 months ago. Events have vindicated the pursuit of cautious austerity. In fact, things have turned out better than he dared expect: Britain is now the poster child for European success, envied by its neighbours and top of the growth table for industrial democracies.
Yet news that should give the Tories something to cheer about is being met with nervousness. MPs worry that the good news will not translate into election victory. Ministers are becoming more pessimistic, devoting an increasing amount of time – quite naturally – to considering which way they would jump in a post-election leadership contest that grows ever more likely. Even more fearful are those in marginal seats, some of whom have already thrown in the towel and are planning for life after defeat.
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