Most powerful Tory in the country?
Updated on 02 May 2008
Inside the morning news meeting...
One issue dominated this morning's meeting: Labour's disastrous results in the local elections.
"This is even worse than the 'worst case scenario' that Labour envisaged. Worse than they ever thought it was going to be.
"The Tories have won in places that they don't normally win in - like Bury and Sunderland.
"We'll have to see what happens with Boris and Ken - but it looks like the Tories will win that too."
The timing of the announcement of the London Mayoral results presents a logistical headache for us - as they could be revealed anytime between 5.30pm and 8pm.
If the results come in early enough we'll be able to do a package, if not we'll have to play it by ear and take it live.
"I think these results are a really strong verdict against the Prime Minister's performance. There just seems to be peculiar problems that Brown has.
"He has to try and appeal to Middle England, while all his ideological instincts are geared towards things like child tax credits and poverty.
"With the 10p tax change he's also alienated parts of the working class."
"I think we need to analyse exactly what happened with these voting patterns.
"Is this about Labour voters not voting? Is it middle class voters turning to the Tories? Have working class people switched? It is really significant."
It appears that on the back of these results, the Conservatives are already expecting a General Election victory.
"2010 is the date that is being talked about for a General Election, and it's the dream scenario for the Tories.
"They think that if they are given that much time they can force a John Mayor-style collapse - and win enough for two terms, let alone one."
"If the Tories' 'plan for power' comes onto the table now then some of the old divides could emerge - as people begin to lobby for stuff."
Gordon Brown is only accepting one question from the media on the local elections today during a public appearance. It could be awkward, as Tony Blair will be next to him.
"Blair will be accepting lots of questions on the local elections!"
"Cameron has already given some words outside his house - or should I say down the round, to make it look like social housing - but there'll be more to come."
Back to London - and debate turns to whether Boris' looming victory is a victory of style over substance.
"He [Boris] will be the most powerful Conservative in the country, with the biggest mandate.
"Brown will then find himself hemmed in from the SNP in Scotland, and Boris in London."
"But there are just so many factors around the London election - the congestion charge, green taxes, buses...it's difficult to know what has swung it.
"Is the reality that people are not as 'environmental' as we think? They just don't like being told what to do."
"Whatever it was - it is obvious that people were not as averse at voting for a toff as Gordon Brown hoped they would be. It seems people are interested in a likeable toff - but not policies."
"Aren't we missing the point here? Boris won because he is a Tory. Simple as that."
"I don't think it is that simple - it's about personality. There's an argument to say we are becoming more like America - where personality is key.
"Could Boris of won this election 20 years ago? I don't think so."
"But you can't say Ken is not a personality - but he is more a politician."
As you can see, there's lots to say on the subject - pity the programme editor who has to find a way of squeezing the best bits into a tight show.
One final word of warning: "I don't want to sound cynical, but can we keep an eye out for any stuff that the Government might try and sneak out on the quiet today. It's a good day to try and bury news."
