Cameron makes case for going it alone as fresh row with Tory backbenchers looms

Further cracks in the coalition emerged last night after David Cameron hinted the Tories could try to govern on their own as he looked to quell growing unease on the Conservative backbenches.
Lord FeldmanLord Feldman
Lord Feldman

His comments emerged just days after it was suggested the Liberal Democrats could return to opposition in the last few months before the next election.

Mr Cameron is also facing anger from within his own ranks over gay marriage legislation, which returns to the Commons today, and continuing disagreement over his Europe policy.

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Party tensions were further exposed in remarks from a figure, described as an ally of the Prime Minister, calling Conservative activists “swivel-eyed loons”.

In an interview with Total Politics magazine, Mr Cameron said: “I’m here to deliver good government for the country, and we’ve still got important work to do – paying down the deficit, turning round the economy, and all the rest of it.

“What matters to me, though, is can we get things done? Can we improve the state of the country? Can we fulfil our manifesto? The best way to do that is to continue with the coalition, but if that wasn’t the case then we’d have to face the new circumstances in whatever way we should.”

Speculation on the internet forced Conservative Party co-chairman Lord Feldman to deny that he was responsible for the derogatory remarks reported over the weekend about local activists and yesterday senior figures rallied to his support. Party treasurer Lord Fink said Lord Feldman had “always spoken about the activists who run our party with enormous respect and admiration, both in large meetings and private”.

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However, the tone of the remarks has struck a chord with sections of the party who believe they illustrate the gap between Downing Street and grassroots concerns.

Tory MP Brian Binley said: “Certainly the gap between the party leadership and the party’s voluntary sector in the country is sizeable. I have made that complaint again and again.”

He added: “If this was said, by whoever, it would not surprise me. There has been a disdainful view of the voluntary party.”