Richard Spring MP
Member of Parliament for West Suffolk

The pre-eminence of the financial services industry in this country has never been greater, and most of it is based in the City of London.

Last night we had a reception in the Square Mile at which the Shadow Chancellor George Osborne spoke. It is symptomatic of the change of attitude towards the Government and indeed ourselves that well over 1000 people accepted the invitation to attend. The Conservative City Circle, which I chair with the Group Chief Executive of ICAP, Michael Spencer, has over 6000 people on its database, which is growing rapidly. We are anxious to hear the City’s views on regulation, taxation and employment matters. By the time David Cameron reaches Downing Street we need to know exactly what policy prescriptions are required. That is what these events are all about.

As regular readers of my blog will know, as co-chairman of the Conservative City Circle, I helped to establish City Future which was officially launched at the Law Society by Sir John Major last Thursday. It was a very successful evening with 400 young people from the City attending to listen to the former Prime Minister. I would like to express my grateful thanks to Iain Dale’s internet-based political TV channel, 18 Doughty Street, of which I am a big fan, which covered the event on the night and now have it on their website.

To watch a video of the evening, including Sir John Major’s speech, follow the link below:

http://doughty.gdbtv.com/player.php?h=cf5c587515e0051523db337293099955 

Last night we had an important event in the life of Conservative City Circle which I chair with Michael Spencer of ICAP. We have established City Future to embrace the new generation in the City of London.

400 people turned up to hear Sir John Major launch the event. When we starting planning this reception we thought we would get 200 coming. Such was the enthusiasm that the number of guests was double that.

In 1997, the IMF described this country as having a golden economic scenario and we had the best pensions arrangement in Europe. No more. The attempt by Labour to re-write history looks particularly misplaced now.

There was a tremendous atmosphere at the event. There is a real kindling of interest in the Conservative Party, and our desire to form links with the business community. It certainly bodes well for the future.

You can read more on Sir John’s speech by clicking on the link below:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6574215.stm

Spring is in the air for the Conservative Party and it shows in all sorts of different ways. Conservative Future is attracting vastly increased interest on university campuses – many younger people now want to be involved in politics, and eventually to become Members of Parliament.

Last night, under the auspices of the Conservative City Circle ,a party was held at the solicitors S J Berwin in their beautiful building overlooking the Thames. It was for young City professionals, including many lawyers. It was sponsored by Jonathan Djanogly, the Shadow Solicitor General, who is associated with S J Berwin. It was addressed by Dominic Grieve, Shadow Attorney General, twice in a row Channel 4 Opposition Politician of the Year. Everybody thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

Interestingly enough, much of the conversation was less about today’s Budget, but about the rise in the Conservative Party’s fortunes, and how the process could be enhanced. It was simply another sign of those tectonic plates moving politically, and it bodes well for a Tory future.