The Conservatives will pay a heavy price for spurning their true blues
SIR – Your report (“Tories accused of blocking ‘true blues’”, April 6) makes crystal clear what those in charge of the Conservative Party are doing.
However they dress up their policies, it is obvious that they are moving away from genuine Conservative values towards a centrist – or even, dare I say it, woke-leftist – position.
Do they not understand that this is political suicide, because grassroots members, good councillors and natural Tory voters no longer align with them?
Such people are not leaving the party. The party is leaving them. Christopher Hunt
Swanley, Kent
SIR – Allison Pearson (Comment, April 6) describes the wholesale change that has taken place within the Conservative Party, which is now run by centre-left liberals.
She hopes that “true blues” can take back control – but given the way that
Conservative Campaign Headquarters is selecting candidates, this won’t happen any time soon. Very sadly, it will take a generation or longer.
However, our country cannot wait that long. Reform UK is the only party offering true-blue Conservatism, and it is time voters transferred their allegiance. Simon Turner
Solihull
SIR – Allison Pearson’s assertions are wide of the mark.
I joined the Conservative Party as a teenager in 1989 because I was inspired by Margaret Thatcher. I’m in favour of strong defence, low taxation and free enterprise.
Over the past year, I’ve been flattered to have been approached by people from the highest levels of the Conservative Party, encouraging me to once again become a parliamentary candidate.
I’ve no intention of standing, but am sceptical of the suggestion that talented Thatcherites are being prevented from doing so. We have an excellent new generation of candidates coming forward, many of whose credentials the Iron Lady would have robustly endorsed. Craig Heeley
Badminton, Gloucestershire
SIR – I have twice been a Conservative candidate in local elections, as well as a party member (on and off) for 50 years.
During that time, I have never discovered what exactly it means to be a Tory. I think I know, but I’m not entirely sure.
Could someone please provide a concise outline of the fundamental principles, which members can subscribe to? Parliamentary candidates could then also confirm against the list that they hold basic Conservative beliefs.
Such a measure might help to unite the party. Clive Hilton
Bradford-on-avon, Wiltshire