“Do you think we can still win?” is the standard conversation opener for representatives at this year’s Conservative Conference. The question is usually asked more out of curiosity than in search of comfort. My factual reply is that of course it is possible. But that is as likely to be rebutted as welcomed. A young aide to a Tory MP told me openly that he was going to vote Labour.
As always in the evenings the foyer of the Midland Hotel becomes a steaming mass of humanity as do the private party rooms. The Conservatives like to party like there’s no tomorrow perhaps because this year there isn’t one.
