What David Cameron must do today

Today David Cameron will give his keynote speech at the Conservative party's Spring Forum.  This will be his last chance to address the party in such a way before the General Election.  Given the recent slump by the Conservatives in the polls, what must Cameron do to get the campaign back on track?


1.  A simple, no-nonsense speech
Cameron will have to be at his oratory best today, evoking the spirit of his speech to the Party Conference in 2007 (highlights here) in which he spoke for over an hour with hardly any notes.  The situation today is much the same, and the speech should be too.  He should lay down what a vote for the Conservative party will mean; for the economy, for the NHS, for families, for everyone.

2.  Stick to the issues
Now is not the time for personal attacks on Brown or Labour (in my opinion, the Conservatives should avoid them at all costs anyway).  Cameron should lay down a stark and clear choice, pinpointing Labour's policy failings and broken promises, and the danger of another five years of Brown; whilst making sure he manages to present the Party as a credible alternative.

3.  Take the fight to Brown
If Gordon Brown doesn't call an election by Monday, he will have to be dragged kicking and screaming to Buckingham Palace.  The signs are clear; Gordon Brown is a man on borrowed time, and he knows it.  Cameron needs to prove to Brown, and the Country, that the Conservatives are ready to fight an election whenever the Prime Minister wishes to call it.  Cameron must throw down the gauntlet and put the ball firmly in the PM's court.

4.  A five point plan
One of the main problems facing the Conservatives is that a large number of the general public would struggle to name any of their policies.  Today is Cameron's best chance to change that.  He should, however, avoid the risk of saying too much.  Quality, not quantity.  Simply put, he should pick out the five or six best policies, choosing something for everyone, and ram them home.

5.  Prove we are ready for Government
The Conservatives will go into this election (if you listen to the Opposition hype) as the inexperienced alternative.  Labour will play strong on the fact that they will claim to have the benefit of 13 years of experience behind them.  Cameron must use this speech to direct some of the focus onto his Shadow Cabinet; ensuring the public know who they are, and why they are a safer choice then Brown's yes-men.

There's no beating about the bush, today is make-or-break for the Conservative party.  A strong, convincing performance by Cameron today will give the party a massive boost; whereas anything less than 100% will play right into Labour's hands.

More 2007 please, Dave!