I thought the first TV debate was excellent television, and that ITV and their host, Alastair Stewart, were the clear winners.  The key comparison was between Mr Cameron and Mr Brown as one or either of them will be the Prime Minister.  With an easier wicket to play on, I thought Mr Clegg answered some questions well, but he was very vague on details in some areas and was given an easier pass than the other two.  Overall, congratulations to all the participants, but especially to the excellent chairmanship of Alistair Stewart.

Substance in politics is what really matters but sometimes the tone matters too.  Contrast the opening efforts in the General Election campaign between Gordon Brown and David Cameron.

Gordon Brown and the Labour Party have launched divisive attacks – based on class, on bankers, on those with support hunting.  The tone is one that seeks to deflect blame from the Government’s own failings but also one which seeks to divide the country in to “them” and “us”.

David Cameron meanwhile has recognised that we are all in this economic mess together – that little can be achieved by pulling the country apart, and much can be achieved by working together.  He has reached out to Liberal Democrats in the search for common ground and has praised the ideas on social reform championed by the Labour MP, Frank Field.  Right from the start of his leadership, David Cameron has offered his constructive support for the Government where there is common ground, rather than just opposing for the sake of opposing.

David Cameron’s constructive approach is surely the right one for the country, and Labour’s embrace of the politics of division is surely a reflection of their own despair.

Conservative Party leader, David Cameron, visited Bedford on Tuesday to answer questions from local residents and to get a better impression of the local issues that are important to the people of Bedford and Kempston. 

First stop for Mr Cameron was the Civic Theatre for a spirited meeting with local Party members and supporters.  Well over 100 activists heard Mr Cameron stress how important it was for the Conservatives to win Bedford if Mr Brown is to be removed from Downing Street and the hard work of restoring Britain’s finances is to begin. 

After answering questions, Mr Cameron was off on the short walk to the Harpur Suite for his second meeting.  This time it was a public meeting in the form of an open Question and Answer session.  Over 140 people filled the Harpur Suite and Mr Cameron answered questions for over an hour.  As many told me afterwards, it was hard but to be impressed with his openness and his willingness to offer direct answers to people’s questions.

David Cameron will be in Bedford on Tuesday 8 September to answer questions from local residents as he prepares his plans for forming the next Government.

It’s a completely public event for anyone local wanting to attend, whatever their political beliefs. The meeting is taking place at the Harpur Suite in the centre of town from 6:30pm in the evening. 

Places will be limited, so if you would like to attend, send an email to camerondirect@bedfordconservatives.com or call 07858 642346 to register.