Letters From A Tory Daily views on British politics and the Conservative Party from a centre-right thinker who writes letters on his blog to politicians, journalists and many others.

Dear David Cameron,

So here we are.  After the rollercoaster of a ride that has been the last six months as leader of the Conservative Party, one could reasonably argue that it all comes down to one speech.  The polls are still being fairly unkind to the Conservatives, although the fact that Labour have just had their party conference obviously skews the polls considerably.

Softening stamp duty, going after benefits claimants, tax breaks for families – these are all good things, but it’s not enough.  Crime, the EU and immigration is where the battle lines between yourself and Gordon Brown must be drawn.  You have no choice but to boldly state to the country why you as the Conservative leader offer a genuine and respectable alternative to Labour.  Needless to say you have to highlight Labour’s weaknesses as much as possible in addition to stating your own case – even so, your message must be a powerful one.  You have to convince Conservatives to support you, you have to bring back the voters who have jumped ship and gone over to Gordon Brown, you have to tempt some Liberal voters, and I’m sure you can chip away at UKIP and the BNP if you get your message right.

I don’t know whether the possible re-emergence of foot and mouth disease plus the bluetongue virus might make Gordon Brown think twice about an autumn election.  For now, you must assume that it won’t.  I don’t envy you Mr Cameron, as you cannot afford to have anything less than a perfectly choreographed conference with no infighting, no backstabbing, and no dissenters.

Best wishes, and good luck.

A.Tory