Richard Spring MP
Member of Parliament for West Suffolk

Despite his new clothes, teeth and ties, Gordon Brown has been unable to shake off the misfortune that seems to have dogged him in his most recent quest for the premiership. Note his visit to India which was wholly sidetracked due to the race row which had flared up over Shilpa Shetty’s treatment on the Big Brother show. The local election results, and the vote in Scotland, were a blow, as have been a number of recent economic statistics.

Now, as reported on Iain Dale’s blog today, his first few weeks as Prime Minister could be overshadowed by the long-awaited publication of Alistair Campbell’s Downing Street Diaries on 9^th July. Campbell’s diaries are likely to be a revelation detailing the many skirmishes – if honestly written - between the Brownites and Blairites from someone who was as close to the centre as it is possible to be. After seeing the paralysis this often caused at the heart of Government, it will be very interesting.

For most of us, the diaries will be a good summer read. What we do know, much to the credit of George Osborne, is that the Chancellor attains the premiership with a much more controversial and diminished reputation than only a few months ago.

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.