Britain's Got Tories

So, this is David 'Dave' Cameron's big idea to reinvigorate British politics, is it? Opening up the selection process for prospective Tory MPs to allow anyone to stand, even if they haven't got any links to the party. Does he really mean anybody, regardless of political affiliations? Would I be given serious consideration if I tried to get adopted as a Tory candidate, standing as an unreconstructed socialist? Somehow, I don't think so. Dave doesn't really want to 'open up' the selection process in this way in order to bring more diverse political perspectives into the narrow-minded reactionary orthodoxy that is the modern Conservative Party. Oh no. Like just about everything else he comes up with, this is a publicity stunt, a piece of political opportunism designed to take advantage of the current public reaction against politics and politicians engendered by the recent expenses scandal.

As far as I can see, he's decided to jump on the reality-TV bandwagon to give the impression that the Tory selection process is now a version of Britain's Got Talent. "Roll up, roll up and take your chances. Everyone's welcome to have a go", he seems to be saying. Just come along to a constituency meeting and perform your amusing act in front of a panel of 'judges' from the local party, and you might just make it through to the 'Grand Final' and the public vote! In common with everything else which passes for a Tory 'policy' these days, it is half-baked and completely lacking in any real substance. Just like his proposals for reforming the political system - does anyone honestly think that any future Conservative government is actually going to strengthen local democracy? This is the party that opposed any devolution of political power to Scotland and Wales. Let's not forget the last time they were in power and the way in which they systematically eroded the powers of local councils. The truth is that central government - regardless of whichever party is in power - jealously guards its political power and is always reluctant to share it. Once more, Dave is just telling the electorate what he thinks it wants to hear. Sadly, a lot of dumb bastards will be fooled by is toss and we'll undoubtedly end up with a Tory government. Still, as I've said before, a dose of the Tories is probably necessary in order to remind people of what utterly horrible bastards they actually are!