Tories upbeat after new figures
TORY Cabinet ministers were said to be “upbeat” at a meeting on political strategy yesterday, boosted by economic figures which have shown UK unemployment down, employment up, inflation down and growth returning.
A Conservative source told The Herald: “It was all very good. We talked a lot about the aspiration narrative and also the general election strategy. The Cabinetwas very upbeat.”
After the Budget “omnishambles”, the resignation last week of Chief Whip Andrew Mitchell, and the rowover energy bills, David Cameronand his colleagues have taken heart from a number of economic indicators, which have shown some light amid the gloom.
Themostimportantcame yesterday with GDP data confirming the double-dip recession is over.
It has also emerged Mr Mitchell will donate his £8250 payoff for leaving the Government to good causes in his Sutton Coldfield constituency.
In a separate development, a poll by Ipsos Mori showed Nick Clegg and the Liberal Democrats emerged from the conference season in theworst condition.
The Deputy PM’s apology over his party’s U-turn on tuition fees failed to give the LibDems a lift and the party fell from 13% to just 9%.
In contrast, the Tories rose from 30% to 33% while Labour saw a two-point jump from 41% to 43%.