Progressive Conservatism

I attended a DEMOS event last Thursday. It was the launch of DEMOS's three year project on progressive conservatism. It was an interesting afternoon. David Cameron, above, talked about the desired 'progressive' 'ends' of fairness, equal opportunity, sustainability/green, safety and he talked about the conservative 'means' of how to get there; de-centralization, govt. to strengthen institutions that help that eg. family, economic growth and living within our means.

To be honest, my view of him was a media friendly, young, energetic, Tory version of Tony Blair, though not as good (though I never saw Blair speak at such close quarters). He had presence, though not charisma, and isn't someone I would readily warm to even if what he said made good sense. 

The interesting stuff came later. Philip Blond theologian, philosopher, and self-proclaimed 'red conservative' who is heading the DEMOS project, was provocative and interesting. He spoke of the poor being progressively decapitalised, of the market state and the welfare state being insufficient and advocated a 'civic' state, where the end result isn't monopolies or oligarchies (as he sees in the market state) where ownership is for all and there is equality in participation. 

After the break, there was a panel discussion that included Will Hutton , Oliver Letwin and John Gray . It was excellent. It started to throw up issues like the extend and duration of government involvement in the markets (and therefore society at large), whether Margaret Thatcher was really a Conservative at all and belonged to the traditional Conservative lineage or whether she was really a free-market liberal and Conservative outlier, how did progressive Conservatism differ from compassionate Conservatism (or even, to my mind one nation Toryism) or liberal Conservatism. 

The Cameron speech was well reported in the press, though more for his comments on Labour's handling of the recession than anything else. 

The photo was, as you can probably guess my now, taken with my trusty blackberry camera, and on zoom this time, just to add to the grainy quality.

DEMOS

DEMOS is a think tank. It was launched in 1993 by Geoff Mulgan and Martin Jacques as an independent and fresh thinking anditidote to short-term, aligned, dull and Whitehall-centric think tank culture prevelant at the time. At the time, I read an article about DEMOS' intentions , got excited, got myself invited to the launch, and became a paid up member, receiving articles and going to meetings but staying perpherial and anonymous.

My involvement changed in 2002/3 when I saw colleague at RKCR/Y&R involved in DEMOS work. It transpired that my boss at the time, MT Rainey, was one of DEMOS' trustees. I waded in and took the work on. Work that culminated in presenting a strategy document to DEMOS at their annual weekend offsite.

I have tried to retain links with the organisation, offering insight where I can and providing a base in the US for visitors from the UK.

Yesterday evening DEMOS held a meeting for its Assoicates. I am lucky enough to be included as one, I presume for my work five years ago, and I am keen to contribute to such an excellent and inspirational organisation.

DEMOS have a new director, Richard Reeves, his website is here. He was excellent yesterday evening; thoughtful, authoritative, and eloquent. After a couple of difficult years including changing management and financial concerns, DEMOS seems rejuvenated and back on track. I look forward to being a playing a part.