It is time that credit is given to IDS
Reading the press over the weekend it is remarkable how the press rewrite history to fit their own conclusions. IDS was the man who started the compassionate agenda and brought a host of unusual speakers to the 2002 Conservative Conference, such as the remarkable Camila Batmanghelidjh from Kids Company. Yet the press praise Cameron for bringing Camila as if it was her first visit.
The truth is that it was IDS who started the social justice agenda but was stymied by the fact that:
(i) the party wasn't ready for it;
(ii) and there were those who opposed his leadership from the start - particularly because IDS had beaten Michael Portillo.
Since having stepped down as leader, IDS has established a remarkable think thank, the Centre for Social Justice, and has made a series of remarkable and well received speeches on the subject. It is time that IDS is recognised for what he achieved and tried to make the Tory party become, rather than being characterised as an inept reactionary. At least at conference, he was given a deserved and genuine standing ovation by Tory activists.
To read more by Watlington, see Watlington.
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