Cameron, David

(1966– )

   Elected as an MP in 2001, David Cameron briefly served on the front bench before being elected as the twenty-sixth leader of the Conservative Party in December 2005 and Leader of the Opposition. He describes himself as a ‘modern, compassionate conservative’ and has spoken of a need for a new style of politics, claiming to be ‘fed up with the Punch and Judy politics of Westminster’. He has focused on issues such as the environment, work–life balance and international development – issues not recently seen as priorities for the post-Thatcher Conservative Party – and is widely seen as more liberal on social issues than some of his predecessors. As yet, his views on the specifics of policy have not emerged, but he has launched a series of policy reviews. Some critics are unhappy with his attempts to re-brand and re-position the party and with his interest in presentation.

   They dislike his emphasis on image as much as substance, seeing it as reminiscent of the political style of the early years of the Blair leadership.