A towering irony
For some time the Conservative Party has had headquarters in Victoria Street, after leaving Smith Square.
In some peoples’ eyes, the Smith Square building had become hexed. Yes there are memories of previous election victories immortalised in film and photographs, and the celebrations that took place in that building. More latterly there were no parties or celebrations. Moreover the various nooks and crannies of the building were filled, at times, with small groups sharing their gripes. Today the only huddles you see are furrow-browed Labour MPs earnestly in conversation in the corridors of the House of Commons, grinding their teeth at what is happening to their Party.
This weekend CCHQ moves to Millbank Tower, scene of the build up to the immense election success of Labour in 1997. Having sold Smith Square and replenished the Conservative Party’s coffers, by comparison Labour languishes in even greater dependence on the trade unions.
The occupation of Millbank Tower by the Conservative Party may well be a defining and symbolic moment reflecting what is going to happen at the next General Election. About that Messrs Clarke and Milburn would, I suspect, fully agree.