Cameron’s hopes in the hands of Boris

Cameron’s hopes in the hands of Boris

The Prime Minister is back in business – and looking to Boris Johnson to drive the next stage of Tory fortunes.

Mr Cameron will dominate the airwaves today with a media blitz aimed at gaining the momentum.

Victory in the London Mayoral elections for Boris in a fortnight’s time will give the PM a chance to declare the Conservatives are doing well where it matters – the ballot box.

In all the noise of the last few weeks, it’s been easy to miss the fact that Labour have suffered another blow – this time in Scotland.

Labour has lost control of Glasgow City Council for the first time in history.

Not devastating, but on the back of the Bradford West by-election, it’s the kind of upset to cause real fear amongst party managers.

Forward momentum is key for Mr Cameron. People won’t forget a Budget which even the Chancellor admits could have been better handled.

There have been ups and downs but for two years David Cameron has had it relatively easy.

As he admitted on the BBC this morning, all governments see the end of a benign era, a honeymoon, and it’s only a question of “when”.

That “when” is now.

What is crucial is for a government to pull itself together and demonstrate competence.

The PM was crystal clear in reminding the nation that the core mission remains fixing Britain’s economy.

Anyone who thought this could be solved in a couple of years of belt-tightening has been sorely mistaken. This is a task which will take many years to complete.

At least two terms of government, people at the heart of government say privately.

Mr Cameron decided against dazzling voters with a glitzy relaunch, peppered with new announcements and razzmatazz.

Instead, the Premier told his team they must be seen to be getting on with the central mission of rescuing the economy. No frills, just sheer hard work.

Public service reform is an ongoing part of that battle. It doesn’t look shiny and new but it is essential work if Britain is to thrive in the coming years.

Tory strategists are determined to leave voters with the impression that Mr Cameron is on the side of people who work hard and do the right thing.

There will always be an awkward squad of Tory MPs but last week’s Finance Bill votes prove the unhappy squabblers can’t stop the government getting its business done.

Lords reform threatens to overshadow a programme to be announced in the Queen’s Speech next month. But I wouldn’t be surprised if this measure finds itself in long grass by the late autumn.

I’d also expect an end to the public fighting between LibDems and the Tories in government.

Coalition means both sides agree to chuck a few grenades at each other in the run-up to polling day and town hall elections have been the cause of recent mud-slinging.

The chemistry still works.

Back to thoughts