Montgomerie: With every passing day the Liberal Democrats are dragging the Coalition further away from the Conservative manifesto
• [Aug 22] Tim Montgomerie*: . . THERE'S more than enough evidence for my theory that, over time, it's been the Liberal Democrats who are increasingly flexing their . . muscles and pulling the government leftwards (my theory of this Coalition). Take this morning where we have three clear examples of the Liberal Democrats having a big influence:
(1) Human rights laws: We have Nick Clegg in The Guardian arguing that the human rights laws are essentially sound: "I will refuse to let human rights laws be weakened". Cameron's promise to Sunday Express readers looks impossible for him to meet.
(2) £1.8 billion of new regulations . .
(3) Control of immigration: . . At every turn the Lib Dems have frustrated Damian Green and Theresa May's efforts. This is the number two issue for voters and failure on this pledge won't easily be forgiven . .
The seven other areas of major Lib Dem influence are, I'd suggest:
(4) Green policies . .
(5) Opposition to growth measures . .
(6) Even loading of the public spending cuts . .
(7) Opposition to renegotiation with Europe . .
(8) Thwarting of the NHS reforms . .
(9) Nothing serious is happening on family policy . .
(10) The dog's breakfast of tuition fees . .
* Editor of ConservativeHome: http://conservativehome.blogs.com/